Jesse Marsch says he plans to play ‘incredibly intelligent’ Leeds player in new position tomorrow

Sat 12 March 2022 9:15, UK

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has revealed that he plans to play Stuart Dallas at left-back on Sunday.

Whites left-back Junior Firpo looks set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an injury against Aston Villa.

Firpo went down after a challenge from Emiliano Buendia, injuring his left leg.

He received lengthy treatment, with his leg being put in his brace, and oxygen was administered before he came off on a stretcher.

Speaking on Prime Video after the 3-0 loss at Elland Road, Marsch feated Firpo would be out for a long period of time.

“It’s probably something on the inside of his knee like an MCL,” quoted him as saying.

“So we’ll evaluate that and see where’s he at.”

Later on in his post-match press conference, Marsh added: “I would guess it keeps him out for a while.”

Leeds have a huge game coming up on Sunday as they host Norwich in a relegation six-pointer.

At his pre-match presser Marsch lauded the “incredibly intelligent” Dallas.

He also said he’ll “probably” start him on the left side of defence.

“With Junior [out], that probably means we’ll have to play Stuart at left-back,” the quotes Marsch as saying.

“I think he can manage that. He’s probably a 6. That’s probably his best position.

“We’ve asked him to play right-back and now we’re gonna ask him play left-back.

“But he’s incredibly intelligent and a good player that he can manage that.

“That’s the situation we’re in right now. And again, we have to find a way with adversity to get better.”

Leeds fans will welcome Marsch plans – TBR View

While it’s a shame that Firpo looks set for a long-term layoff, there’s a good chance Marsch would’ve dropped him nonetheless.

The 25-year-old has struggled this season and didn’t impress against Villa on Thursday.

Leeds fans will surely welcome Marsch’s intention to start Dallas at left-back, as he has fared well in that position.

This could see Marsch push Luke Ayling back into his normal right-back role and Diego Llorente come in at centre-back.

Alternatively, Jamie Shackleton could also go in at right-back.