Leeds United: Jesse Marsch will move back down to touchline v Crystal Palace
Graham Smyth is expecting Jesse Marsch to be back on the touchline for Leeds United on Sunday afternoon for their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.
The American was forced into the stands to complete his ban for the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa, although admitted beforehand that he has been tempted to do that anyway in games for a better view.
Smyth doesn’t expect that to happen, with Marsch able to affect the game more from the touchline, rather than relating messages to the likes of Mark Jackson and Rene Maric.
Speaking on the Inside Elland Road podcast for the Yorkshire Evening Post, Smyth shared his verdict on what may happen at Selhurst Park over the weekend.
“I don’t think he’ll be particularly keen,” he said.
“I know he toyed with the idea of maybe he’ll watch more from the gantry, but I don’t think he will. I think he will be on the touchline where he feels he can affect the game more and won’t have to relay messages at a restricted rate to Mark Jackson.”
No chance.
Marsch will have held in all of those frustrations he most likely will have had against Aston Villa, with his presence much higher up in the stands.
Selhurst Park introduces another challenge and with the technical area so close to the pitch, he will no doubt be on top of his players to get across his messages when needed.
The fourth official can expect his ear to be chewed off, with Marsch ready to fight for his squad for every last decision, a passion we cannot be mad at.
Patrick Vieira is another manager who is exactly the same, so we can expect both sides to be well up for this one which could very well be full-blooded.
Of course, this question will be asked this afternoon at his latest press conference, and although Marsch may joke, it is surely all-but-guaranteed that he will be on that touchline yet again.
In other Leeds United news, this player could be first in the Elland Road boardroom as new contract talks may take centre stage