Whelan: Leeds stars handed major boost after confirmed news
Jesse Marsch’s absence from the touchline will “spur” Leeds United on, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Whites striker and club ambassador insisted the players will be ready to beat Aston Villa on Sunday (2 October) despite Marsch’s ban.
An FA statement, as relayed by Leeds Live earlier this month (15 September), confirmed the 48-year-old had been handed a one-game touchline ban and a £10,000 fine.
The American was charged by the FA for “improper” language and behaviour during Leeds’ 5-2 defeat to Brentford.
He was unhappy that the Whites were not awarded a penalty for a foul on Crysencio Summerville and was sent off by the referee.
“I wouldn’t change Jesse Marsch at all,” Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“I love that passion and desire that he brings, that enthusiasm out there on the sidelines.
“He’ll be working hard between now and Sunday to make sure he gets his voice across, to make sure that his team is set up in the way that he wants to compete and win a game of football.
“Whether he’s on the touchline or not the team will be fully ready to do what is needed to get those three points on Sunday afternoon.
“Whether he’s down there or in the stand, there will be communication between Marsch and his assistant, for sure.
“Once you get down to the nitty and gritty in your last training session, if you don’t know your job by now and what’s needed from the manager to go and win the game of football then there’s something wrong.
“These players are very professional. They know their jobs and this will probably spur them on more, knowing Marsch isn’t on the touchline. To be quite honest with you, I think they will want to get the three points for him.”
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