Elche 1-2 Leeds United: The good bit, with Mateusz Klich
With the Festa d'Elx trophy at stake nobody knew if a draw meant penalties, a dance-off, competitive hot dog eating or what.
With the Festa d'Elx trophy at stake nobody knew if a draw meant penalties, a dance-off, competitive hot dog eating or what.
Imagine Marcelo Bielsa and Tony Yeboah of an evening, sitting together in Frankfurt over a beer, talking about how the Leeds fans still love them.
One thing your billions will buy, in this social media era, is the ability for other people to see you clearly for who you are. And that what it never buys you is an answer to the question, 'Why are they laughing at me?' That one you have to work out for yourself.
When Leeds are playing well it's because the tactics are good and the players are good, and when Leeds are playing badly the tactics are still good but the players are not. That's a convenient way for a head coach to remain blameless
This was technically a cup match, with a Wembley final (in February!) just a few wins away. But that sort of glorious dream felt much further off than that.
Staggering around the pitch at full-time after beating Bournemouth, swaying and shouting like a teenager finishing his first four-pack of Stella, Marsch looked as powerless as any other Leeds fan to resist what this club is. Buy into it, Jesse. Live a little.
Jesse Marsch does not look at peace with the idea that he does not have all the answers. He looks exhausted by having to reconcile himself to not being able to be himself.
When he shook hands with Jurgen Klopp at full-time, Jesse Marsch didn't look him in the eye, he seemed to be looking at a ghost instead. Then came the hugs and the shouting, and it was like someone uncorked a magnum of testosterone to revive Jesse so he could enjoy his triumph.
It's surprising that Marsch has not been sacked, because that is the usual run of things in the Premier League, so maybe the board really is considering sacking itself as a viable alternative.
Marsch seemed so determined to push every doomed-coach button I'm wondering if he's the one who wants out, while I, who never wanted him here in the first place, try to rationalise him into longer tenure.