Jesse Marsh believes his record in America shows Leeds United don’t need to abandon their high-powered plan to win in the British heatwave.
Leeds’ pressing game is based on intensity and, first under Marcelo Bielsa and then Marsh, they made the most sprints in the Premier League last season.
But with temperatures expected to hit 90 degrees against Southampton on Saturday, the American is confident he can carry on with his style of play and has made a habit of beating the New York Red Bulls in sweltering heat during his time in charge.
He said: “One of the things about sports in the summer in America is that it’s always hot, it’s very intense, so there are things I’ve learned about fatigue and managing the heat. When I was in New York, one of the questions was, ‘Can you play pressure football in the summer?’ In fact, our record for starting above 90 degrees is actually quite strong.
Marsh have made seven signings this summer, with former Wigan and Everton man Joel Robles joining as a third goalkeeper this week, and are looking to add a centre-forward. Patrick Bamford, who missed most of last season, is available, but Marsh prefers options beyond the versatile duo of Rodrigo and Dan James and young Joe Gelhardt.
He added: “We are evaluating the right striker but Patrick being fully fit helps us. We have some flexibility in that Rodri can play there and Dan can play there. Jaffee [Gelhardt]I consider myself one of the first team members.
Luis Sinistera has struggled with a hamstring injury in the pre-season ahead of his Southampton debut. The Colombian was hired to replace Rabinha when last season’s top scorer left for Barcelona.
Sinistera, who scored 23 goals for Feyenoord last year, made his St Mary’s debut as a substitute. Marsh added: “We were careful with him but he looked really good and we introduced him to training. He’s not 100% fit but there’s a good chance he’ll help us with less minutes.”
Captain Liam Cooper and Adam Forshaw are also available again as Leeds are injury-deprived, while Stuart Dallas returns to training camp as he recovers from a broken leg, although there is no timetable for when Northern Ireland could play again.
Junior Firboe and Luke Ayling are close to returning, while winger James is fit again after missing Saturday’s win over Wolves through suspension.
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