The feeling on social media, and in the away end at the City Ground on Sunday, was clear. Leeds United fans have had enough of Jesse Marsch as manager of their football club – but Chris Sutton thinks Marsch deserves a little more time.
Marsch watched his side start well against Forest. Luis Sinisterra saw a shot saved well by new Forest goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Completely against the run of play, Forest then scored – Brennan Johnson lashing an effort past Illan Meslier.
A sucker punch. Leeds continued to probe and were easily the better side in the first half. Navas was superb on debut for Forest. Stopping Willy Gnonto and Luke Ayling with two superb stops. Sinisterra blazed a sitter from close range.
But Leeds fans were not impressed in the second half. Steve Cooper made two changes at half-time. Marsch did not alter things until after those changes, and it had shored up the Forest defence. He had no answer for Forest’s switch.
The tactical change nullified Leeds despite us dominating possession. The scoreline remained 1-0 and Leeds now go into a double-header against Manchester United, sitting above the relegation zone on goal difference. Fans are angry.
Sutton thinks Marsch deserves a little more time as Leeds manager
They want Marsch to go. Sutton told The Mail: “I don’t blame the Leeds fans who are calling for their manager to go. I’m not quite there yet. I’d give Marsch a smidgen more time. But needs to show something pronto, or his time is up.
“After losing to Nottingham Forest, he was saying: ‘We find ways to lose.’ Well, it’s your job to find ways to win. Do that, or that ever-increasing number of frustrated Leeds fans’ will get their wish,” Sutton said in his Mail column.
So, does he deserve more time? The game could have easily gone in Leeds’ favour and the first goal was always going to be important. Had Sinisterra lashed home his early chance, or scored to make it 1-1, the reaction would be less.
But, that is hindsight. That is wishful thinking. The trend this season has been good performances, but not taking our chances and failing to convert neat, good displays into points. It is Marsch’s job to get points on the board.
