Leeds United were hit with an outbreak of illness heading into their final warm-up game ahead of the return to Premier League action. The Whites were comfortably beaten by Ligue 1 side AS Monaco in a second-half capitulation.
Despite taking the lead in the first-half, the visitors scored three goals inside nine minutes to race clear of the Whites at Elland Road. It was a worrying sign for the onlooking Leeds fans, with Manchester City and Erling Haaland their first game back in action after the World Cup break.
When asked about the second-half collapse, assistant boss Rene Maric said: "First half, we started on it from the beginning. We missed that in the second-half. How you move, react, at such a high level, a split-second earlier, faster, the space they don't get. Defending a lead by staying proactive and aggressive."
Leeds United vs Monaco highlights and reaction from Elland Road
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier is expected to return to action against Man City, but the Whites staff will take it day by day heading into the game, while Rodrigo is expected to be back fit. "It's very individual," Maric added.
"There's some illness going around. Check who is coming back into training. [I] Think most will be ready for City without being 100 per cent sure."
Marsch and his side toyed with a 4-3-3 against Monaco and when asked why, Maric said: "Looking at how we combine the players we have, being flexible around the opponents. One of them moving out wide with and without the ball.
"Trying things out in these friendlies. Teams in general, we want to be flexible and adaptable. Looking at the second half of the season."
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