MARSCH MELLOW!
Don’t blame new boss for this mess. It’s not his team and players look tired, says Martyn
LEEDS could be effectively relegated today – but Nigel Martyn insists under-fire boss Jesse Marsch cannot be blamed if they slide in to the Championship.
The Whites host Brighton after a disastrous run of three straight defeats, which has left them in the drop zone with a shocking goal difference of minus 38.
If Leeds lose, Burnley win at Tottenham and Everton avoid defeat at home to Brentford today, then Marsch’s men will realistically be consigned to the drop.
The American coach has divided opinion among Leeds fans since he succeeded the much-loved Marcelo Bielsa in February.
His ultra-positivity and used of quotes from historical figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa has grated on some sections of the United fan base.
Discipline has also been an issue – Luke Ayling and Dan James have seen red in the past two games – and Marsch’s tactics have come under fire.
Yet, legendary former Whites goalkeeper Martyn, who helped the club reach the 2000-01 Champions League semi-finals, said: “I’m desperate for Leeds to stay up, but it wouldn’t be Jesse Marsch’s fault if they get relegated.
“It’s not his team, is it? He’s come in and tried to coach a side who look pretty tired from a tough campaign.
“He would point to the fact that he would want to get some more players in that he would choose to be in his side but, obviously, he’s not had that opportunity yet.
“I don’t think, if the worst was to happen, that any blame can be attached to
Marsch.”
For much of the season,
Leeds fans have felt their team was too good to go down.
But, in the past three games, they have looked too bad to stay up.
Martyn, who lives in
Yorkshire and keeps the club in his heart after a seven-year spell at Elland
Road, believes Leeds should have recruited far better this season.
Last summer, they failed to sign a midfielder or a striker and instead brought in another winger in James for £25million and full-back
Junior Firpo (inset right) for
£13m. Significantly, Leeds failed to strengthen their squad in January and Martyn fears all the good work of the Bielsa era will lie in ruins if the club get relegated.
United finished ninth last season under Bielsa in their first Premier League campaign after a 16-year exile.
Martyn, who won 23 England caps,
said: “I think it needed someone like Marcelo Bielsa to get Leeds United out of the Championship.
“After 16 years away, he led us back to the Premier League, which is what everyone connected to the club had been crying out for. So many managers had tried and failed and it needed something completely different.
“Last season, some of the football was a joy to watch at times but I think that, just by standing still, you’re actually going backwards.
“Leeds have kind of stood still. One or two players have had international recognition, but that then makes it harder when they don’t get the summer break they need and then pick up injuries.”
Leeds have sorely missed injury-hit Patrick Bamford (left) this season and their lack of striking cover for him has hurt them badly.
Martyn added: “Bamford being injured has been a big blow and they have struggled to find anyone to replace
him. I’m sure Leeds will turn around and say, ‘Who’s available? Who can we get hold of ? Who is of the right quality?’. “You can get players in, but does it make your team any better?
“That’s the problem they’ve had, but I’m not giving up just yet.”
Anything less than three points against the Seagulls today could prove fatal for Leeds’ Premier League status.
And Martyn said: “You’ve just got to be optimistic and hope that we can beat Brighton.
“Hopefully, Brighton’s minds are on a beach somewhere and Leeds put in a good performance, get a win and then it could be all on at Brentford next Sunday.”