BBC pundit can’t believe what Jesse Marsch did in the 24th minute in Leeds trip to Wolves

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Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch was criticised by BBC Sport pundit Clinton Morrison for his 24th-minute substitution against Wolves.

The Whites suffered one of several injury setbacks early on in the game at Molineux, Patrick Bamford having to come off.

Bamford appeared to have suffered an ankle injury, going down after stretching for a pass in the 21st minute.

After coming off, television cameras showed a tearful Bamford on the bench, with Liam Cooper’s arm around him.

Marsch replaced the 28-year-old with Sam Greenwood, a decision which Morrison wasn’t happy about.

The BBC Sport pundit felt Joe Gelhardt should have started the game, or come on for Bamford at least.

“Sam Greenwood is a good young player but I do not get the substitution,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live (18/3/22, 20:26).

“Why not Joe Gelhardt?

“After you have scored a goal as a striker – like the late winner Gelhardt got against Norwich – you want to play the next game.

“Jesse Marsch will know his players better than us but I am surprised he did not start the game, never mind that he hasn’t come on to replace Bamford.”

Gelhardt not fully fit

Prior to the game, Marsch said Gelhardt had suffered a back issue and was a doubt to play against Wolves.

“Gelhardt back issue, not in the Under-23s, think he will be ready, but not certain,” said the Leeds boss.

Marsch must have felt the 19-year-old wasn’t in the right condition to play 60-plus minutes tonight.

Given the fact four Leeds players had to come off due to injury during the game, it was a good call from the manager.

Although Greenwood came on under very difficult circumstances, he did okay and gave a good account of himself.

For the second gameday in a row, Leeds played out a dramatic game before sealing victory in injury time.

Leeds’ 3-2 win at Wolves puts them seven points clear of the Premier League relegation zone.