Marsch lauds ‘incredible’ Rodrigo after Leeds win over Norwich

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Jesse Marsch has described Rodrigo as ‘incredible’ following Leeds United’s dramatic win over Norwich City on Sunday, sharing that the two had a frank conversation in the build-up to the game – in comments reported by Leeds Live.

Rodrigo came in for criticism from supporters following Thursday’s clash with Aston Villa. He struggled to make things happen. And it was little surprise when he was taken off at half-time.

With the fans imploring Marsch to start Patrick Bamford on Sunday, some may have assumed that the Spaniard may drop out of the team against the Canaries.

However, he did indeed start. And he went on to produce a massive performance when Leeds needed it most. It was Rodrigo who broke the deadlock.

Interestingly, Rodrigo headed to the bench almost immediately to celebrate with the entire squad. It was certainly a major show of unity, inspired by the 31-year-old.

And Marsch may have been particularly pleased with that as he provided an insight into what he asked of Rodrigo in the build-up to the game.

“I had a very good conversation with the entire group and then with the leadership council and Rodrigo is a part of the leadership council. And then I had another individual conversation with Rodrigo afterwards and I told him how important he is and that he has to be a big part of the solution of where we need to go, moving forward,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live.

“He is an incredible young man. He’s an honest man, he’s willing to have hard conversations and open conversations. And I know he wants to help and I’m just trying to instil belief and instil an idea of how he fits in and how off the field and on the field he can be a massive presence for the entire team.

“So he, I think he took our conversation really well, as did I. And I think he applied himself really, really well today, really, really well.”

Rodrigo could put all criticism behind him by inspiring Leeds to stay up

Rodrigo has had a mixed time at Elland Road. He has scored 11 goals in the Premier League. That is not a terrible return given that he has tended to play second-fiddle to Bamford as a striker.

But he did arrive as the club’s record signing. So it is fair to say that he has not met expectations since joining the side.

He has not changed enough games. And he has only managed three assists in nearly two seasons with Leeds.

That will all be forgotten however, should Rodrigo now help Leeds keep themselves in the Premier League. Clearly, Marsch believes that he has an absolutely pivotal role to play in the weeks ahead after seemingly issuing some home truths.