Shaun Wright-Phillips has shared that Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch wants his players to perform in a ‘frantic’ manner and be in the faces of the opponent following his criticism of Aston Villa, as he told Premier League Productions (02/10/22 at 6:50 pm).
On Sunday, Steven Gerrard’s underperforming side recorded a goalless draw against ten-man Leeds at Elland Road, in a game full of tension, aggression and drama.
After the game, Marsch wasn’t happy with what he witnessed, not the red card for Luis Sinisterra, but Villa’s ‘snail-paced’ tactics, as he told Sky Sports.
Those controversial comments were quickly shut down by Steven Gerrard, the Villa boss stated himself that Leeds tried to time-waste when they were down to ten men.
This is a clear case of agreeing to disagree and Villa will continue to play in their way, whilst Leeds, just like they did under Marcelo Bielsa, will always have their foot on the accelerator, regardless of the match situation.
Nonetheless, former England winger Wright-Phillips worked under Marsch during their days at New York Red Bulls and he shared that he understood where the American was coming from given what he demands of his players.
“Even from his time at Reb Bull, when I was with him, he always wants it to be frantic,” said Wright-Phillips. “He always wants you to be in their faces. He always made sure the ball boys got the ball back in quickly, just to keep the game moving as fast as possible.
“I think that’s where he is going with that comment. He felt like Aston Villa must have been getting too many fouls and breaking play up.
“I think Leon Bailey kicked the ball away in the first half and the referee just gave him a talking to, so I think he’s basically focusing on those things, but that’s just how he is and he has always been that honest.”
SETS THE TONE FOR THE REVERSE FIXTURE
These games between Aston Villa and Leeds are just getting spicier by the game and the reverse fixture on January 14 is going to be no different.
The weekend match has probably set the tone for what will happen at Villa Park because of Marsch’s comments and the fact that Gerrard’s side will probably try to slow the game down even further.
All in all, it provides nothing but entertainment for the fans and it could even be argued that it has an old-school feel about it.
Villa are unbeaten during their last four meetings against Leeds, but the last time the Whites beat the Midlands outfit was at Villa Park thanks to a Patrick Bamford hat-trick.
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