Robin Koch shares biggest difference at Leeds United under Jesse Marsch
Robin Koch has suggested that Leeds United are defending as a team, a big change from the previous regime.
Under Marcelo Bielsa, it was a high octane pressing with more emphasis on man-to-man marking.
This system has been ditched under Jesse Marsch where it’s more of a zonal marking with a more pragmatic approach being installed.
Koch said to BBC Radio Leeds: “We’re not man-marking anymore. In the past, we did a lot of running. We were reacting all the time to the opponent.
“Now, we’re more like a team and go for the ball. Sometimes, we go with three men, aggressive to the ball. And I think this is the biggest difference.”
Change in system
While Marsch also believes in attacking football, the Whites have been relatively solid at the back at the same time.
Under Bielsa, Leeds were a joy to watch, but during the final stages of his tenure, the Whites simply fell apart defensively.
The Argentine showed a lack of willingness to make changes to his system, even insisting that it’s the only way the club should play.
As a result, Leeds structure fell apart, especially against big teams. Towards the end, most teams have figured out how to beat them.
Under Marsch, Leeds still have conceded but one could clearly see positive signs. They are not as vulnerable as before.
Having said that, it’s hard to criticise Bielsa. It was him who took Leeds to the Premier League after a long absence of 16 years.
It was under Bielsa, Leeds finished ninth in the Premier League last season. But there were problems, and the Argentine failed to rectify them.
Leeds will face Wolves in their next game at Molineux. They have plenty of work to do in the coming months and need more points on board to boost their survival chances.
In other Leeds United news, Steve McManaman claims that a Whites man has already lost the trust of fans and some players after what happened last week.