Marsch has made smart call deciding to keep Mateusz Klich at Leeds

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Mateusz Klich may not have played a single minute of Leeds United’s final pre-season game of the summer, but it was his future that most supporters were discussing in the hours after the 6-2 victory.

Klich has been a key player since being brought back into the fold under Marcelo Bielsa. In fact, only a possible hangover could prevent the Poland international from starting every single game in the two years before promotion was secured.

He has since started 54 times in the Premier League. So the idea of him leaving Elland Road would have seemed unthinkable to many.

Of course, Klich is now 32. So he is not going to be around forever. But it was still a major shock when he was named alongside Helder Costa and Ian Poveda on the bench against Cagliari.

Jesse Marsch did not make a single substitution in that game, and he went on to hint that Klich’s future was uncertain afterwards.

With the World Cup looming, Marsch seemed to suggest that the path was clear for the midfielder to possibly leave if he feels that he needs regular game-time in the months ahead.

There is interest. Reports this week claimed that several European sides would jump at the chance to sign Klich.

Just as it seemed Klich may be done however, the former Utrecht man managed to prove a point once again.

Klich came off the bench during the second-half of Leeds’ Premier League opener with Wolves on Saturday. At the time, the score was 1-1. But it was the visitors who were well on top.

Leeds could not get out of their own half. And they were incapable of stringing more than a few passes together.

But Klich’s introduction changed the game. He played a key role in the winning goal, too. It was a very timely reminder of what he can do.

Marsch making right call after telling Klich he’s staying at Leeds

And that cameo prompted so many fans to implore Marsch to ensure that he stays. Thankfully, Marsch may have come to the same conclusion.

Reports on Thursday claimed that he had told Klich that he wants him to stay. The midfielder’s situation has completely changed in the last few days.

It is a gamble for Klich to stay. When Leeds have a fully fit squad, he is potentially unlikely to feature a lot. But Marsch has certainly made the right call to ask that he stays.

Marsch has done a good job so far. But it is this season where he is going to be really judged. And letting go of one of the most popular players in the squad would be a risk.

Marsch is clearly not afraid of making big decisions. But clearly, letting Klich leave will do him few favours.