Jesse Marsch told his post-match press conference – as per Leeds Live – that Luis Sinisterra was “not as active” for Leeds in the second half and that contributed to the Whites failing to break down Fulham, during their 3-2 defeat.
The pressure is ramping up on manager Marsch after a fourth consecutive Premier League defeat. A sixth loss in their last eight Premier League matches, despite taking the lead through Rodrigo. Some awful defending contributed.
Rodrigo’s header gave Leeds the lead, only for Fulham to quickly cancel out Rodrigo’s opener. Aleksandar Mitrovic’s simple movement in the Leeds box saw him flick a corner past Illan Meslier. Bobby Decordova-Reid made it 2-1.
Again, unmarked, the winger scored a header. A third goal from Willian saw the Cottagers some how get in behind from a throw-in. Crysencio Summerville scored his first senior goal late on, but it was little more than a consolation.
Speaking in his press conference after another defeat, Marsch identified one player that started to show tiredness in the second 45. He claims that Sinisterra proved ineffective in the second half, especially, compared to the first 45.
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“Then second half, Luis got a little bit tired. He put in a big shift the whole week and so he wasn’t as active and we weren’t as active to get him the ball. That led to us not being able to break down the opponent as much,” Marsch said.
Marsch: Sinisterra not as active for Leeds in second half
Leeds fans can point the blame all they like at Marsch. But ultimately, the defending was woeful. To allow two free headers from set-pieces – Decordova-Reid’s header being a second phase – was unforgivable at this level.
Robin Koch allowing Harrison Reed to glide past him in the penalty area was way too easy, setting up Willian. Leeds need to sharpen up defensively if we are to have any chance of getting out of this rut – and Marsch is to keep his job.
But it does not get any easier for Leeds. The Whites face Liverpool at Anfield next Saturday. Then, Bournemouth. Tottenham and Manchester City – the latter outing after the World Cup. It does not get any easier for Marsch.
