Stan Collymore backs Jesse Marsch to be trailblazer at Leeds

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Stan Collymore has told the Sunday People (27/3; page 54) that he can now see Leeds United easily staying up, and expressed his delight for Jesse Marsch after his bright start to life at Elland Road.

Marsch has had a dramatic start to his tenure. Of course, his appointment was somewhat overshadowed by the departure of Marcelo Bielsa.

He lost his first two games. And while there was promising signs at Leicester, the loss to Aston Villa shortly after seemed to be a devastating result for the Whites.

However, Leeds have responded superbly. They beat Norwich and Wolves with dramatic stoppage-time winners in both games.

The win over the Canaries was a must. But the character they showed to go on and get the three points after conceding a 91st minute equaliser was quite something.

And they demonstrated that character once again at Molineux. Leeds came from 2-0 down at half-time to win and move themselves seven points clear of the bottom three.

They are still not safe with every side below having at least one game in hand. But Collymore is optimistic that Marsch will get Leeds across the line – and have a big impact on the perception of American coaches in the process.

“Top marks to new Leeds boss Jesse Marsch for two successive wins before the international break,” he told the Sunday People.

“I can easily see Leeds staying up now and it will be fantastic to see an American coach doing well in the Premier League.

“It’s an important time for Marsch because he could be a trailblazer for his compatriots if his style works.”

Next two games look crucial for Marsch and Leeds

Leeds do have some tough games ahead. They face the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal before the campaign concludes.

So their next two games look to be crucial. They face Southampton at Elland Road and then travel away to Watford.

Victories in those two games will move to Leeds to 35 points. And that may well be enough.

Certainly, they now find themselves in a really strong position after what was a very bleak evening at home against Villa.