Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch faces Patrick Vieira in new surroundings after New York rivalry
Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch will go head to head with Crystal Palace gaffer and former Hudson River derby rival Patrick Vieira tonight as the clubs do battle in Premier League action.
The managers are known to each other having been rivals in New York, with Marsch in charge of New York Red Bulls and Vieira the coach at New York City.
Both have appeared very mellow on the touchline since taking over at their respective clubs, but history shows that there have been flashpoints in the past between the pair.
In his latest piece, Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross spoke about the previous meetings, he said: “As managers of New York’s rival clubs, the pair faced off in several Hudson River Derbies during their Major League Soccer days.
“On one particularly fractious meeting, Vieira was sent off for remonstrating with the referee and had some choice words for Marsch on his way off before refusing to shake the American’s hand post-match. Vieira would later accuse Marsch of crying all week about poor officiating as a tactic to influence the referee in their game.
“Their reunion will be worth a look on the touchline. Marsch has previously admitted his managerial meetings in the Premier League have been a touch too cordial. Perhaps Vieira will bring the edge he is craving.”
A promising match
Tonight’s clash between Leeds United and Crystal Palace looks set to be a tasty encounter for numerous reasons.
Marsch and Vieira’s history will be an interesting watch, with the potential for fireworks in both dugouts, but the match itself is intriguing too with both sides drawing plaudits for their exciting style of play this season.
Despite Palace sitting five points ahead of Leeds in the table, it’s actually the visitors who come into tonight’s match at Selhurst Park in the better form as they look to go four unbeaten.
Palace will be hoping that they can put on another Monday night show for the Sky Sports cameras after their 3-0 victory over Arsenal three weeks ago.
It’s set to be a blockbuster, with Leeds desperate for a win as they aim for survival.
There will be a worry should the Whites not leave with a positive result, but Marsch will be confident in his squad.
In other Leeds news, Sky Sports pundit David Prutton believes losing Adam Forshaw to injury is a cruel blow for Leeds.