Speaking on his podcast, Phil Hay has been discussing Jesse Marsch and his decision to start Sam Greenwood in midfield against Brentford.
Leeds headed into the game against the Bees knowing that they needed a result to stay in the Premier League, and, despite the stakes being so high, Marsch took a bit of a gamble on Sunday.
He handed Greenwood his first-ever Premier League start in a must-win game, and according to Hay, many within the club were shocked by Marsch’s decision.
What’s been said?
Hay spoke about Greenwood getting his debut.
“The decision to play Greenwood in the centre of midfield was mega. I mean, that’s the kind of decision that if you do it and you go down you’re inviting the attack dogs aren’t you? I think that when he was suggesting doing it earlier in the week there was quite a lot of surprise at the club, but Bielsa always thought of Greenwood as someone who could play in that zone, and it kind of worked, him and Phillips together,” Hay said.
Great decision
The decision to start Greenwood in the midfield was a risky one, but it paid off handsomely.
The youngster was absolutely fantastic against Brentford. His creativity was brilliant, and he didn’t let the occasion get to him one bit.
If it weren’t for VAR, he would have had an assist early on, and that was just the first of a few inspired moments in west London on Sunday.
Marsch rolled the dice on the final day, and it worked. Leeds have stayed up, and they may well have uncovered yet another young gem in the shape of Greenwood.
Don’t be shocked if this young man has a key role to play next season.
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