Your Leeds United headlines for Saturday, January 14.
Manager confident despite fan pressure
Jesse Marsch is “focused” on turning the tide at Elland Road after receiving a fiery reception from the away end. For the first time, chants of “Marsch out” could be heard as Leeds slumped to another Premier League defeat.
However, the American has insisted there were plenty of positives from the performance that give him hope. He said post-match: “Of course the fans are disappointed that we didn't get the points but I think anybody who watches that game knows that is a good performance and a good team.
Read more: Leeds United player ratings as Struijk and Koch underline shaky defence in Aston Villa loss
“When the team doesn't win, and when things aren't going as well as we would like, the coach is always going to take the heat.
“But for me, I can handle that. And, again, my focus is entirely on what I'm trying to achieve with our team and this was a big step in the right direction.”
Beckford relegation verdict
Former striker Jermaine Beckford believes Leeds will survive the Premier League axe this season. As it stands, the Whites are just two points above the bottom three and embroiled in another relegation dogfight.
Just two wins in 16 games across all competitions has piled the pressure on Jesse Marsch. No win in seven has triggered debates at Elland Road about the American’s future in the dugout.
“I don’t think so (whether Leeds will be relegated),” he told Sky Sports before the Aston Villa clash. “Leeds have made strides in the transfer window early doors which is something that hasn’t been done in a while.
“So I think that does a bit to ease the worry or concerns that Leeds fans have had over the last couple of seasons - the last couple of windows especially. Ultimately, everybody believes in the process.
“I had a conversation with a lot of the boys about 15 minutes ago and every single one of them seemed positive. They seemed upbeat. They knew exactly what the game plan was, what the thought process is, and they believe in it (staying up).”
To read more, click here.
Neville purrs over Gnonto
Gary Neville waxed lyrical about Leeds youngster Wilfried Gnonto after his impressive display against Aston Villa. The Whites were on the wrong side of a 2-1 defeat, but the Italian is quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest prospects in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old grabbed the assist for Patrick Bamford's goal on the 83 minutes, showing real quality to drive forward from deep. Former Manchester United defender Neville, who knows a thing or two about coming up against a good winger, heaped praise on Gnonto for his performance against the experienced Ashley Young.
On Sky Sports, Neville said: "(On) that far side Gnonto looks absolutely fantastic. Watching him here live for the first time, knowing what a good left winger looks like, he knows the position, the movement to get on the ball, the body shape to receive the ball… it’s absolutely fantastic. He’s tenacious as well."
To read more, click here.
Post-match column
“The head coach (Marsch) will have been happy with elements of his side’s performance, especially in the first half. However, the manner of the goals conceded will have left a bitter taste and the fans certainly made their feelings known as the Whites edged towards their seventh game without a win.
“Chants of ‘Marsch out’ could be heard from the away end as supporters directed their anger at the head coach. Supporters have voiced their frustrations at games before this season but this was the first time they have so vocally called for a change of manager.
“The pressure is clearly starting to build on the head coach as Leeds approach the halfway point in the campaign and he received a mixed response when he went over to clap the fans at the full-time whistle.”
To read William Jackson’s full column, click here.
READ NEXT:
Jesse Marsch told what must improve for Leeds United to fly up Premier League table
Marc Roca outlines similarity Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch shares with Bayern Munich manager
What we learned watching Leeds United train - Junior Firpo skill, Max Wober, fitness clues
Man City's Kalvin Philips told he is 'in danger of being on a coach back' to Leeds United
Junior Firpo facing Leeds United crossroads with temptation January transfer window may offer
