Jesse Marsch has sympathy for Chelsea ahead of Wednesday night’s clash against Leeds United, in a huge game for the American gaffer’s side in the race to avoid relegation. He believes Chelsea have “incredible players”.
The Whites suffered a second successive defeat on Sunday, losing 2-1 to Arsenal despite battling bravely with 10 men in the second half. The loss, though, sees Leeds sit in 18th place in the Premier League table.
On Wednesday, they play host to Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea at Elland Road with time now running out in their bid to avoid the drop. The odds will be stacked in Chelsea’s favour, but they do have an FA Cup final on Saturday.
Asked about Chelsea, Marsch says he has sympathy for his side’s third-placed opponents given their injuries, ownership and fixture congestion. But he also raved about the quality of Chelsea’s squad, and Thomas Tuchel.
“Theoretically it is a good time to play them. Chelsea been through a lot. Won Champions League and hard to replicate that. Injuries, fixture dates up and down form. Big match on the weekend,” Marsch said, as per Leeds Live.
“That is a quality club with quality manager and incredible players. All know how to manage difficult situations. Their line-up does not matter. They will be very, very good and play their best.”
Marsch on Chelsea: Can Leeds pick up a result against Tuchel’s side?
As Marsch alludes to, Leeds do come up against Chelsea at a good time. They face a side that have an FA Cup final on the weekend, and one with little to play for albeit with Arsenal breathing down their necks.
It remains to be seen if Tuchel will rest his players, although the depth the Londoners have, especially in midfield, is superb. The home support at Elland Road will come into play, but Leeds are up against it.
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