Jesse Marsch says the goalless draw against Newcastle United is a 'big step forward' in his attempts to improve their defensive game over the World Cup break.
Leeds had conceded 26 goals prior to the World Cup, and returned to Premier League action with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of reigning champions Manchester City.
However, the Whites stifled Newcastle's usually potent attack with a strong defensive performance to register just their third clean sheet in the Premier League this term.
Marsch was impressed by how his defence responded to the danger posed by Newcastle's attack and hopes to add more of an offensive threat in future games.
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"Yes, you're right [we worked on our defensive game over the break]," Marsch revealed. "I believe this was again, a combination of the tactical work that we've done.
"With the mentality to do whatever it took to defend and to also require a goalkeeper that's ready to help support the backline in a really good way. And I thought that part was good and a big step forward.
"We need to continue to have that kind of defensive mentality and stability and then build more into the game and how we can be dangerous."
One area in particular that Leeds worked on ahead of the game was how to defend set pieces efficiently. Kieran Trippier's deliveries often caused issues but Leeds ultimately reduced one of their biggest threats.
"Well again, just look at the size of some of their players. We started the game with defensive corner kicks with three players up high because we wanted to try to force them to adjust to us and not just be able to try some special plays, to use their big players," Marsch said.
"That was effective. Trippier puts in some really good balls, but we defended really well together and we've been working on our defensive set pieces. So in general, I think you're right that there weren't a crazy amount of big saves that Illan [Meslier] had to make, or worrying moments for the group."
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