Phil Hay has told his Athletic podcast that Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch looked “subdued” at full-time following our stunning 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield – even saying he looked “emotionally spent” in the press conference.
Leeds pulled off a shock result at Anfield. Jurgen Klopp’s first defeat at Anfield this season in all competitions, and Virgil van Dijk’s first loss at his home ground. Rodrigo broke the deadlock after two minutes, thanks to Joe Gomez.
Mo Salah did not take long to equalise after some poor defending. But the scoreline remained until the final few moments, largely thanks to Illan Meslier and some wonderful blocks from Robin Koch, Rasmus Kristensen and more.
Some lovely play from Willy Gnonto saw the ball eventually fall to Crysencio Summerville, who flicked the ball home. A goal, and a win, that send the away end into raptures. The players were visibly delighted on the Anfield pitch.
But Hay shares what he noticed about American gaffer Marsch at full-time. The ex-Leipzig manager has been under enormous pressure, after two months without a win. But a win that relieves said pressure. Hay gave his verdict.
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“At FT, I was watching him, he was really subdued. I think he made a conscious effort not to make it about him, not to make himself front and centre – low key. He looked visibly exhausted, I can imagine he is emotionally spent.”
Hay: Leeds boss Marsch looked subdued at full-time, emotionally spent
Hardly surprising. All the talk in the media has been about whether Marsch would follow the likes of Bruno Lage and Steven Gerrard. But the Leeds board have made it clear that the American is part of their future.
Even a loss at Liverpool would have seen Marsch remain in the job. We argued in a previous piece, that as long as there were positives – even if it was a loss – it would encourage supporters. But no-one predicted a Leeds win.
Hopefully, this gives Leeds and the tired, £67k-a-week Marsch some momentum. Something to build on, a kickstart. Leeds have Bournemouth at Elland Road on Saturday – a real chance to make it two from two.
