Leeds Utd survival: Jesse Marsch on ‘doing it the hard way’ as boss dodges Raphinha, Kalvin Phillips questions

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch insists he wants better for the club going forwards after insisting he never once doubted they would suffer relegation to the Championship following their final day survival.

United went into the match at the Brentford Community Stadium needing to better Burnley’s result against Newcastle. And with the Clarets going down to a 2-1 defeat, Leeds guaranteed their safety with a 2-1 win of their own over the Bees.

Having looked clear just a month ago, Burnley dragged Leeds right back into the relegation dogfight. And with the Whites actually starting the day in the bottom three, their win sparked joyous scenes.

Marsch admits that while Leeds were forced to endure several tense moments, he never once doubted they would survive.

“I have about this a lot about Leeds United and doing it the hard way. Part of the job in this club is to change that mentality.

“Leeds deserve more [than that].

“We have an incredible club and team and honestly not by accident we have scored four winners in injury time. We have belief and we had to earn what we deserved. ”

On his side’s game-plan at the Brentford Community Stadium, Marsch insists Leeds Utd never once panicked and got what they deserved.

“We wanted to find ways to press them and also, with the ball, unbalance them. In the first 25 minutes we were very good. We lost some balls, they picked them up with second balls.

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“Then the game got open and their good one vs one players got free. So happy to live in this moment. At the start, we were playing well and going after the game.

“As the half went on, we became better in possession. In the heat, with the concentration that is so important. The pressing moment to win the penalty was very good. We pushed at the end and kept the fate in our hands.”

On avoiding the drop, Marsch insists he never once stopped believing.

“I believed all the way we were going to do this. I never talked about being in the Championship.

“This business is about belief and exuding it as a leader. I believed in the players and their resolve. It made us stronger, not weaker. Earned us what we think we deserve.

Marsch on summer rest but can’t guarantee Leeds keep top stars

Marsch insists his players deserve to unwind now after getting the job done.

“All the staff need a deserved break. It’s been a stressful time. We will have a meeting in a few days to build those roster and this club to represent what we want to be. A team always changes. From the academy upwards we want to maximise potential.”

On sharing their safety with Leeds’ travelling fans, Marsch added: “It’s great for us. I love the energy. Never felt energy like that coming from these fans. I don’t want them to chant my name, I want them to chant about the club, no one person.

“Don’t worry about me. Criticise me, I don’t care. We are Leeds United and we should be that at all times.”

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Despite safety, Leeds will no doubt have to fend off plenty of offers for star men Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha this summer.

England star Phillips led the celebrations with fans at full time, and is the subject of lots of speculation.

Marsch though admits he cannot offer any guarantees this summer and was keen to dodge such questions.

“I can’t,” he replied when asked if he had any assurances on their futures. “Being honest, I haven’t even enquired. I read more than I am told!”