Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live that Leeds United fans have a “short-term memory” regarding Jesse Marsch, claiming the club’s support had turned on Marsch after losses to Leicester and Fulham, before the win at Anfield.
Marsch, 48, was under enormous pressure. Two months without a win. Eight painful matches. Leeds had slipped into the relegation zone after a dismal showing at Leicester, and a loss to Fulham. Liverpool at Anfield was next.
Leeds fans were expecting a heavy loss. The board maintained that Marsch would be the manager until the World Cup. But not many, even Marsch, could have predicted the club would stun Anfield and win 2-1 on Saturday.
The win sent Leeds fans into raptures and obviously, Marsch is earning praise for the win. But Sutton has criticised the Leeds support, claiming Leeds fans have simply forgotten Marsch was the man to save Leeds last season.
“It was a huge win for Marsch. He deserved time because the start has not been that bad. The fact is, Leeds fans have short memories. This is the guy that kept them up. There is no doubt that Leeds fans had turned on Marsch.”
Sutton: Leeds fans have a short-term memory regarding Marsch
The issue that Sutton is forgetting, is that Leeds spent a whole lot of cash in the summer. Having kept Leeds up by the skin of his teeth – and largely thanks to Newcastle beating Burnley – he spent £100million on nine new players.
Yes, Leeds lost Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha. But they brought in plenty of new players that have started most matches – Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra and Brenden Aaronson. It is now his side.
Leeds have played well, but Marsch’s system does mean the other team will have numerous chances to score. Leeds fans have had to endure some dismal performances when we know we are capable of so much better.
Just ask Thomas Tuchel. Just ask Mikel Arteta. Talk of his sacking was harsh, but Leeds fans are still hurt from the relegation battle that saw us survive, just. A win over Liverpool will help, but the pressure is on Marsch. Rightly so.
