Marc Roca has told Marca’s Fish & Twitch channel that training under Jesse Marsch at Leeds is so intense that you are unable to “relax” for a moment. The focus on fitness is not as high as Marcelo Bielsa’s methods, tactically, it is.
Roca, 25, was one of nine new signings in the summer – but is one of five to have played regularly so far. Forming a midfield partnership with Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Luis Sinisterra are also regulars.
The Spanish midfielder has been excellent for Leeds. While he was hooked at half-time against Leicester, he has now started every Premier League game this season. A bargain, at just £10million. He was struggling at Bayern.
He joins a Leeds side where he is playing under a manager renowned for his intensity. A handful of the new signings have played under Marsch and will have known what was coming. Roca did not. He gave his verdict on training.
“Training under Marsch is very interesting, dynamic. A lot of contact, you cannot relax for a moment because of the intensity. The truth is, it is a pleasure to play under him. I am learning, I am growing as a player. I feel comfortable.”
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Roca: Training under Marsch at Leeds is so intense, unable to ‘relax’
It shows. Aaronson proved it on Saturday, running a huge 13.2 kilometres against Liverpool – the most a Premier League player has done this season, in a single match. This Leeds team are incredibly fit.
Part of that is down to Bielsa. But the Leeds board have been savvy in the market, bringing in players that are also able to run a lot. Kristensen, Aaronson, Roca and Adams certainly, have bundles of energy and stamina.
Twin that with the atmosphere of the home support is incredible. Leeds are in action on Saturday in front of the home crowd against Bournemouth, and both Roca and Adams will be looking to dictate the midfield this weekend.
