The Athletic’s Phil Hay claims Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has increased his new side’s leadership group from four to seven – with the addition of Rodrigo, Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips.
Marsch, 48, has already made numerous changes to his Leeds side since taking over from Marcelo Bielsa. Whether that be on the pitch, playing more zonally – or off the pitch, reducing the demands in training.
Bielsa had a four-man leadership group – in which he used to keep a connection between himself and the players while using a distant approach. It included Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas.
Now, The Athletic report that Marsch has increased that number from four to seven. England stars Bamford and Phillips have been added, while the need for a foreign player has seen Spain star Rodrigo included.
Bamford, Phillips, Rodrigo added: Marsch making big Leeds changes
It is a good move from Marsch. In what might have seen somewhat of a clique given the close relationship between Dallas, Cooper, Ayling and Forshaw – adding a younger name in Phillips will appeal to the squad.
As will Bamford, who more than deserves that spot among the leaders of the team. Marsch has also shown the need to have a voice for the likes of Raphinha, Diego Llorente and Junior Firpo – by including Rodrigo.
It covers all bases and makes the likes of Rodrigo and Bamford feel wanted. With Phillips likely to be linked in the summer with a move, increasing that importance at Leeds might be another temptation for him to stay.
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