Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch believes Robin Koch and Diego Llorente are in the best form of their footballing lives, speaking to Leeds Live after the 3-0 pummelling of Premier League giants Chelsea.
There was something wonderfully familiar about the way Leeds tore their old rivals from the south limb from limb at a rocking Elland Road.
It was the kind of ferocious performance that earned Marcelo Bielsa legendary status in West Yorkshire. Only it was achieved under the watchful gaze Jesse Marsch; Stepping out of his predecessor’s lengthy shadow to write his own chapter in the thrilling Leeds United story.
Orchestrated by Brendan Aaronson and Jack Harrison – who scored one apiece – the in-form Rodrigo Moreno, only Arsenal have picked up more points (nine) after three games. In fact, that Southampton comeback aside, it’s been about as good a start as anyone could have dreamed of.
But Marsch, after arguably the most well-rounded and complete performance of his tenure, was keen to ensure that it wasn’t just the attackers hogging all of the post-match praise.
The importance of a clean sheet against one of the division’s finest teams should not be understated. Especially when you consider this is a Leeds side who conceded a staggering 79 goals just last term. Improvements are clear to see, from front to back, from right to left.
Leeds United batter Chelsea 3-0 at Elland Road
“Created goals about making (clean sheets),” Marsch said, singling out centre-halves Llorente and Koch, plus the stand-in left-back Pascal Struijk.
“Pascal adapted well. Robin and Diego as good as they have played in their careers. (Marc) Roca too. (There is a) hunger to grow and get better.
“Good performance. Best since I’ve been here. Not just the result, but we were the better team. We created a complex match plan which included if they did different things. The more we can have – variability – the better.
“Good performance and individually what you start to see is a bunch of players that understand their roles.”
In a reborn Rodrigo, Leeds have the Premier League’s most prolific footballer in their ranks right now. And there arguably hasn’t been a single new signing who’s made a more immediate impact across the top-flight than the magisterial Aaronson.
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