Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Leeds in for ‘hard slog’ under Jesse Marsch as Prem relegation battle narrowed down to two teams

Raphinha and his Leeds United team-mates look dejected after losing to Leicester

Leeds United are in for a “hard slog” according to Rio Ferdinand who has narrowed the relegation battle down to two teams.

The Yorkshire club find themselves perilously positioned just two points above the drop zone after a 1-0 defeat at Leicester in Jesse Marsch’s first match in charge. They could fall into the bottom three if teams below them win their games in hand.

American coach Marsch has just 11 more fixtures to prevent a return to the Championship after two seasons in the Premier League.

With Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal still to come, former Leeds defender Ferdinand is concerned for them.

“I still think it’s a hard slog for them,” the player-turned-pundit told BT Sport after their latest loss.

“I think it’s going to between them and Brentford – I thought it was Burnley up until ten days ago.

“Now I’d say Brentford and Leeds are the two teams in the most danger to follow Norwich and Watford at this present moment in time.”

Burnley currently occupy the last relegation spot with 21 points. Brentford, on 27, are four points above Leeds but with one more game played.

Having sacked Marcelo Bielsa, the Leeds board can only sit back and watch to find out if their decision was the correct one.

Explaining Bielsa’s departure, Ferdinand added: “I don’t think he was willing to [adapt].

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“I think Bielsa has built his reputation on a particular way of playing. And that’s what he will live and die by.

“I think he’ll be very proud going out the way he did.

“He said ‘this is me, you employ me for this way. That’s it and if it doesn’t work then you can make a decision’.”

Marsch urges Leeds belief

Jesse Marsch of Leeds

Marsch himself believes there is a small tweak for Leeds to make which can help them “find goals”.

Via BBC Sport, he said post-match: “I saw we had the lion’s share of chances and shots, with a bit more calmness we will find goals.

“They are getting to know me, we are getting to know each other.

“To play so well at a tough place to play it doesn’t feel right that we didn’t get what we deserved but that is sport. 100% something to build on. A big first step for us.

“I understand there is stress, but we have to stay clear and maintain a clear, fresh mindset.”

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