Staff Reporter.
Jesse Marsch’s first game as Leeds boss ended in defeat as Harvey Barnes scored the only goal to give Leicester their second Premier League win of the week.
It has been an emotional week for Leeds since the departure of Marsch’s much-loved predecessor Marcelo Bielsa following a chastening month in which they conceded 20 goals and picked up only one point from a possible 15.
But they produced a lively and energetic display at the King Power Stadium that showcased a change of shape and the hard-pressing, direct football preferred by their American manager.
Better finishing from Jack Harrison, Rodrigo, Junior Firpo or Raphinha would have given Leeds a win they so desperately need to ease their relegation concerns.
Having spurned them, they left themselves vulnerable to a decisive moment like the one Barnes produced.
Victory lifted Leicester to 10th in the table. Leeds remain two points above the bottom three, having played two games more than 18th-placed Burnley.
Despite the defeat, Marsch saw plenty of positives from his side and he chose to keep his squad out on the pitch at the King Power Stadium, getting them in a huddle to tell them how pleased he was with the performance.
“I have a fresh perspective,” Marsch said. “I look at the faces on the team and obviously they are disappointed because they know they have played well and deserved a result.
“After four days together and to have changed a lot of the tactics, I am really proud of the group to have stayed so stable at the back, not to have given much away and to have controlled so much of the match.
“I saw we had the lion’s share of chances and shots, with a bit more calmness we will find goals.
“They are getting to know me, we are getting to know each other. To play so well at a tough place to play it doesn’t feel right that we didn’t get what we deserved but that is sport. 100 per cent something to build on. A big first step for us.”
Leicester will next take on Rennes in the last 16 of the Europa Conference League on Thursday, before returning to Premier League action to face Arsenal on Sunday and Leeds will next play Aston Villa in the Premier League on Thursday.