Leeds United deserved more than a loss in their visit to King Power Stadium, according to new manager Jesse Marsch.
Marcello Bielsa was sacked as Leeds manager after their 4-0 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday. They appointed American Marsch on Monday 28th February.
In his first match in charge of Leeds, Marsch's men went down 1-0 to Leicester City away, however the new boss believes that there was a lot to be proud of.
"I'm really proud and pleased with our group."
"Good performances, clarity on the pitch, intelligence, and a good match for us."
"We will continue to be aggressive and find our chances to score."
Plenty of positives going forward for Jesse Marsch 🙏
🎙 @TheDesKelly pic.twitter.com/gutBFHwFRU— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 5, 2022
Speaking to BT Sport after the match, Marsch discussed his side's disappointment in losing such a close match.
"I have a fresh perspective," Marsch said. "I look at the faces on our team and they are obviously disappointed. They know they played well. They know they deserved a result today.
"After four days, to have changed a lot of the tactics and to have played in all phases of the game with clarity, to be very stable in the back, not give much away and control the game for many stretches... I am really proud and pleased with our group.
"There are so many little things that I see in the match that are happening that I know we need to clarify and continue to get better with. We will.
"I normally don't like to be screaming from the bench so much, but I was just trying to help the guys continue to understand what we were trying to achieve tactically."
Leeds are narrowly out of the relegation zone on the Premier League table, currently sitting in 16th place. While Marsch knows that keeping in the Premier League is the goal, he trusts his process in improving how his side play.
"I understand that there is stress here, because the points are so important right now," Marsch said. "But we have to stay clear.
"We have to stay clear to our process. It has to be a condensed process. We have to keep understanding how we want to play and maintain a clear, fresh mindset that helps us grow and maintain everyday."
Leeds were in control for large portions of the match against Leicester. However, it will still take time for the players to adjust to the way in which Marsch wants to play.
"It is a big adjustment for them," Marsch said. "I know how hard they work. I know what their performances are like and what they put in to every game.
"I'm just trying to guide their energies to understand how to do that together and what the roles are at different moments.
"I am trying to will them to keep going. They are getting to know me. We are getting know each other more and more.
"But for me, in a tough moment, it is a shame. Our sport is not always fair. To play so well, in a tough place to play and to play like that, it doesn't feel right that we didn't get what we think we deserve.
"That's sport and that's what we have to deal with."
CAN JESSE MARSCH SUCCEED WHERE MANY AMERICAN IMPORTS HAVE STRUGGLED?
Football on Off The Ball brought to you by Sky. All the football you love in one place across Sky Sports, BT Sport & Premier Sports.
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
