Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Leeds ‘have another gear’ under Marsch which can help survival hopes, thinks former Prem star

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch celebrating with Kalvin Phillips

Former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard thinks Leeds United “have another gear” under Jesse Marsch, and that the signs “look good” for them.

Leeds have seen an upturn in form since Marsch took charge in March. The American has guided his side to three wins and no defeats in their last five.

A change in fortunes was required following the end of Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure. The Whites went on a terrible run under their beloved former manager, losing four games in a row in which they conceded 17 goals.

At the point Marsch took charge, Leeds were two points above the drop zone. They have extended that gap to five points, and will look to make it even wider.

Former Premier League man Howard watched their recent 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace. The American acknowledged that there were good signs for Leeds following that game.

“I think it’s a good result, one point closer to safety. I said at halftime I think they have another gear, I still think they have another gear but they didn’t show us that,” he told Premier League on NBC.

Howard also praised a top Leeds trait which has helped them of late.

“But what you can do is be resilient at the back and be tough and hard to beat – which is what we saw,” he added.

Indeed, Leeds have conceded just four goals in their last five games.

Their defensive stability will, of course, help them in their bid to avoid the drop.

Howard thinks things are looking good for Leeds

Stuart Dallas, Jesse Marsch, Raphinha Leeds

Howard added that the Whites’ defensive resilience against Palace is a good sign.

“Okay they went for it, they didn’t play as well in the second half as we expected them to but they didn’t concede,” he said.

“They kept their second clean sheet in a row, hadn’t had one since November and the signs are still looking good for Leeds.”

Now is a good time for Leeds to stem the flow of goals. Continuing to do so will stand them in good stead in the run to the end of the season.

READ MORE: Jesse Marsch on how Raphinha long throw-in emerged as Leeds boss chats Illan Meslier transfer talk