Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have told The Overlap that they are unsure Leeds United will avoid relegation come the end of the season under Jesse Marsch – despite the American guiding Leeds to two wins in their last two games.
Leeds went eight games without a win before a stunning 2-1 win over Liverpool. Then, coming from 3-1 down to beat Bournemouth 4-3 at Elland Road. Leeds have goals, they have quality in attack – but the system is under scrutiny.
Marsch’s style is a high press. So intense, that when the press is broken, it leaves the defence vulnerable to counter attacks. We saw it against Brentford, Fulham, Bournemouth on Saturday. In those three games, 11 goals conceded.
Carragher and Neville were asked on Part Two of the mid-season review of the 2022-23 season on The Overlap if Leeds will avoid the drop. Both seemed to be unsure, with Carragher critical of the back four at Elland Road under Marsch.
Carragher said: “Hmm. I think the back four are really poor individually. I don’t know if it is to do with the system, but you watch them, you feel as if there are mistakes there.” Neville added: “I wasn’t sure last season, I can’t be sure now.”
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Carragher and Neville unsure Leeds will avoid relegation
Hardly surprising, that this is the view of the likes of Carragher and Neville. The perception is spot on. Bournemouth and particularly, Brentford, showed that beating the press with a long ball instantly sees other sides create chances.
That is too easy. The wins against Liverpool and Chelsea came about because the bigger clubs are intent, and keen to show they are the best sides, because they try to play out from the back. Leeds can beat anyone, if that is the tactic.
But clubs will begin to realise that getting the ball wide and down the channels or simply, going direct causes Leeds problems. However, Leeds have 15 points from their opening 13 games – a decent start. 40 points is achievable.
