Leeds United employee makes ‘crazy’ claim after Jesse Marsch confession
Noel Whelan has insisted the Leeds United players are only at “55-60 per cent” in terms of adapting to Jesse Marsch’s philosophies.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker and club ambassador insisted it would be “crazy” to suggest the Whites are anywhere near close to learning the new manager’s ways.
Speaking to the Athletic (24 March), Marsch confessed it has been “not been easy” to implement his “playing philosophy” at Elland Road.
He insisted the focus has been on staying in the division.
Whelan suggested the squad would only just be getting their heads around what the new manager wants.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’s very difficult because they’ve been playing a certain way for three-and-a-half years under Marcelo Bielsa. You’ll see a little bit of it now but you’ll only see, maybe, 55-60 per cent.
“I think you really do need a full preseason, a full squad of players and games to test out the philosophy. To get used to a new style and system of playing.
“It doesn’t happen overnight, absolutely not. That would be crazy for me or anybody to say that it does. It really doesn’t.
“After working for three-and-a-half years with one manager, in one way, on the ball and off the ball, everything is a big change.
“There will be different variations of coaching systems as well. I think there will be changes in personnel too.
“Certain players will need to their their roles. It’s a difficult position for players and manager.
But I do believe they’ve got the right man and got the right players there. They’re willing to roll the sleeves up, work hard and fight.
“They’ve got a great squad of players with great unity. That’s one of the best things that Jesse Marsch has probably seen, that they’re willing to fight for one another.
“They work hard for one another and whatever it takes, they’ll do. That means on the training ground and what the manager asks of them.”
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