Leeds United

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Jesse Marsch has put assistant coach Cameron Toshack to work compiling individual training plans for every one of his players.

The Leeds boss revealed that Toshack’s role involves, among other things, evaluating players’ nutrition, weights, loading, gym work, psychology, sleep and wellness in order to get them operating at their maximum potential.

“I feel like I’m wearing a lab coat at times,” said Marsch. “We are working so hard to make sure that each player maximises their potential as a physical specimen.

“Then you add in the tactics, the mentality and work ethic and you put it all together to create high-performing football machines.”

Marsch believes passionately that tailored training brings better performances and also helps get the players to take more responsibility for their own conditioning.

After a fine start of seven points from nine games, he is pleased the plan is coming together.

“We have invested a lot in trying to get their input and investment in what they need to improve,” he said. “

"We have seen full engagement from every player and think it gives them the chance to be the best version of themselves. Ultimately that will help the team.”

Brighton: Stuart Matthews, Proud Seagulls, external

This is a tough one. Both sides have won two and drawn one so far, so we're level pegging on points, with just goal difference to separate us.

Leeds are certainly marching on. They struggled last season - scraping into 17th place, while Brighton finished ninth - and I feel their bubble this season will burst sooner rather than later. Don't get me wrong, they are a good side, but I just think that previous performance speaks for itself.

Both squads lost star players over the summer, but has it shown? Simple answer: no. They have both started the season fantastically well. If they were going to struggle with the departures, it would have shown by now - but they have both beaten top-six sides in Manchester United and Chelsea.

Perhaps it's not actually been a loss, but a gain.

Maybe Brighton will get lucky and actually make the top six, but it's more likely to be seventh or eighth. I can't seeing Leeds bettering that - even though it's early days and there is plenty still to happen.

Leeds: Jess Furness, Her Game Too, external

This will be a close one in the final standings, but Leeds will edge it. We've had a superb start to the season - currently in third, with Brighton just a couple of places below and both sides taking seven points from nine.

I think we will beat Brighton this weekend and, ultimately, end the season a few places above them. I don't want to get too carried away by our start, but I do wholeheartedly believe we will have a much more positive campaign overall.

Brighton have lost a couple of their top-quality players in the transfer window. We did too, but we have now enhanced our ranks with the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams, Marc Roca and Rasmus Kristensen. I'd take our squad over Brighton's all day long. We are younger, hungrier and much more exciting - and that will be the reason why we finish higher.

Jesse Marsch has created something special. He has improved our squad with summer signings who are so eager to please the Elland Road faithful.

Anything can happen in the Premier League - as we have seen most recently with us beating Chelsea - so could a top-six finish be on the cards? Why not?

Read the rest of this week's debates over here

Image source, PA Media

Jesse Marsch is delighted with Leeds' start to the season but is keeping his players' feet on the ground as they prepare for a tricky trip to Brighton.

Leeds have seven points from their opening three games and are third in the table, just two points off leaders Arsenal.

He wants to keep the "momentum" going after an eye-catching 3-0 win over Chelsea last Sunday.

"I have been saying for weeks that something special is happening here," he said. "Obviously results always validate and against good opponents, of course.

"I don't think we needed validation internally, though. This result doesn't mean anything for the next game.

"We need to stay laser-focused, keep improving and maximising our potential every day. We want the players to continue to commit to our playing style and the mentality of the group.

"The minute we think we're doing well, that's when we'll get smacked in the face."

Joe Bradshaw, BBC Sport

Jesse Marsch has been speaking to the media before Leeds’ game at Brighton on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• He is hopeful Junior Firpo and Luke Ayling will return to training next week as they continue their recovery from long-term injuries. Marsh says Leeds “still have a call to make” over Patrick Bamford’s fitness for this weekend’s game.

• The victory over Chelsea has brought positivity but he is trying to harness that: “Obviously there’s momentum but we’re only really starting our process. As soon as you think for one second, you’ve achieved something, you will get cleaned out."

• He is not setting targets for the season yet despite an excellent start: “It’s dangerous to talk about expectations and more valuable to speak about game-to-game. For us it’s about having a strong environment and being ready to perform at the best level every match. Then we’ll pick up a lot of points.”

• He believes Brighton will present a big challenge: “We really respect them. They had a good season last year and have made a really good start after making some good additions. They’ve also got a really good manager.”

• On the prospect of new signings before next Thursday’s deadline: “Yes we are interested in a striker. Is it likely? It depends how things play out. We don’t have a surplus of big amounts of money to bring in a huge transfer but we’re having good communications to try and add some quality.”

• Brighton have won eight of their past 11 league games against Leeds, though both Premier League meetings between the sides last season ended level.

• After winning three consecutive away league games against Brighton between 2007 and 2009, Leeds are winless in their past eight visits.

• Brighton are unbeaten in their past eight Premier League games (W5 D3), their longest-ever run in the competition.

• Leeds are third in the Premier League, their highest position going into a top-flight league match since September 2002. Last season, they went into every match other than their season opener in the bottom half of the league.

Image source, Getty Images

Assistant head coach Rene Maric says Leeds are "checking every few days" on the fitness of Patrick Bamford.

The 28-year-old has missed the last two games with a groin problem and, given his recent spate of injuries, Maric is being cautious with his return.

"He is developing well," said Maric. "But you never know exactly how much pressure you can put on with a groin injury.

"We have to check every few days."

Maric only joined the coaching staff at Leeds last month having spent last season at Borussia Dortmund. The 29-year-old has previously worked at Red Bull Salzburg and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Speaking about his role as part of Jesse Marsch's backroom team, he said: "At the moment, it's more observing and sharing my thoughts and experiences.

"The quality here in every department is a very pleasant surprise.

"I'm just trying to play my small part and be a service provider for the players and other coaches."

Listen to the full interview with Maric on BBC West Yorkshire Sport on BBC Sounds

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds assistant boss Rene Maric was pleased to see Luis Sinisterra score his first goal for the club in Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over Barnsley but says he will need to wait for his opportunity in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old struck powerfully from 25 yards to put Leeds ahead on his first start for the club and will offer a different option as the Whites seek to build on an impressive start to the season.

"He's a great player and a great guy and there's a lot more to come from him," Maric said. "He 's strong, fast, can dribble and is very smart too.

"He has a big variety of tools and is a high quality player. I'm very happy he was able to reward himself for the way he has trained and that he showed glimpses of his potential.

"We do though have a whole squad trying to compete and I think we have a really good roster. It will be hard for him if others keep it up."

Leeds have been drawn against Wolves in the third round. The tie will take place at Molineux between 8 and 10 November.

For Maric's full post-match interview, listen to BBC Radio West Yorkshire Sport on BBC Sounds here

Jonathan Buchan, Sports Editor, BBC Radio Leeds

Sunday saw a line drawn in the Buenos Aires sand.

Despite keeping Leeds in the Premier League on the final day last season, many still needed convincing Jesse Marsch could bring a bright future to Elland Road. A statement win was needed - and a statement win is what they got.

The aggressive press imposed by the Whites from the start set the stall for a physical and high-paced encounter, just what the locals desire. Tyler Adams was a shadow on the backs of multiple Chelsea players as he lived up to the billing which sees a 50ft poster of him adorn the Family Stand.

Golden Boot leader Rodrigo continued in the "form of his life" and he appears to be relishing the responsibility of leading the line while Patrick Bamford is injured, not to mention the prestige of wearing the captain's armband. Jack Harrison impressed with an assist and a goal, adding another £10m to his price tag and prompting supporters to call for a new long-term deal.

Seven points at this stage - which arguably should be nine - probably wasn’t what most predicted. It took 10 games and until the end of October to reach the mark in the 2021-22 season.

The race to 40 points will remain the first target of course, and a trip to Brighton, who have also started well, will be a tough one this weekend. But there is a growing belief this team can compete higher up the division.

An increase in the number of Star-Spangled Banners held aloft at full-time tells you that.

But, of course, if you ask Thomas Tuchel, none of that has anything to do with Leeds.

Image source, Getty Images

Jesse Marsch is planning on making changes for Leeds' Carabao Cup tie with Barnsley on Wednesday, but he expects the same level of intensity from the players who come in.

The Whites have taken seven points from their opening three games to sit third in the early Premier League table and they thumped Chelsea 3-0 on Sunday.

"There is a very clear identity to this club and a very clear history - and it is very important," Marsch said.

"We play in a way our fans appreciate and want to see. It's an entertainment business and we have to try to play football that will entertain the fans.

"Against Barnsley, we will probably rotate a few guys and we need to see performances from the entire squad so we can move everything along in the direction we want to go with every single player."

Summer signing Luis Sinisterra could be in line to make his first start after two appearances off the bench so far.

Adonis Storr, The Roaring Peacock, external

In recent years, when the Leeds faithful stood, arms aloft, singing "And we're proud of it we're Leeds", it was often an act of defiance. When that song echoed around Elland Road on Sunday, it was anything but.

Leeds versus Chelsea is a historic rivalry born out of the 1960s. The 1970 FA Cup final replay remains the sixth most-watched broadcast in Britain. And Leeds sing a song about hating Chelsea every game, regardless of the opponent.

This means more.

It was also the first big test of Jesse Marsch's new-look Leeds. Since he was appointed, there has been a question of when he would, or if he could, step out of the shadow of Marcelo Bielsa. On Sunday, that question was answered when he clearly did.

But this win was so much more than that.

In demolishing Chelsea, Leeds United - the club, the fanbase, the city - stepped out of its own shadow, that of Peter Risdale, of GFH Capital, of Ken Bates. Of the hurt pride of two relegations.

United have been waiting two decades to be feared by the very top teams in England. It feels like that long wait is over.

Dan James' rumoured move to Tottenham is one which football reporter Alison Bender can see happening.

She told the Football Gossip Daily podcast: "I think Tottenham are being a bit greedy, to be honest. We've seen they can actually play really badly but still manage a win because of the attacking threat they have got.

"Leeds have bought a couple of forward options so it’s going to make him even more surplus to requirements. But does Conte really need him? I guess he is just thinking we’ve got lots of competitions, it’s a World Cup year, it’s going to be tiring.

"Maybe they are going to make some signings like that. I think Spurs want a loan move but Leeds want the money so we will see what happens. But I can see this one happening."

Listen to the Transfer Gossip Daily on BBC Sounds

Image source, EPA

Leeds can take a tremendous amount of confidence from the win against Chelsea, particularly from the performance, says former Blues and England striker Chris Sutton.

Jesse Marsch's side dominated their illustrious visitors, cruising to a 3-0 victory, and Sutton believes they have laid the foundations to build on this season.

"The celebrations at the end of the game showed that this was a big win," he told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.

"They let a two-goal lead slip against Southampton but they completely outworked Chelsea. They can take so much confidence from this.

"I tipped them for relegation before the season but not on that performance. They were ferocious."

Ex-Manchester City full-back Micah Richards agreed, saying the display was precisely what the Premier League should expect from a Jesse Marsch side.

"He plays great, high-intensity football," said Richards. "Look at Brenden Aaronson. Not just his pressing and energy but his quality on the ball.

"He will be instrumental for them this season."

Full analysis on Leeds is available from 20'40 on BBC Sounds

After the eye-catching 3-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday, Jack Harrison has made it into Garth Crooks' team of the week.

"What happened to the Chelsea that played Spurs off the park at Stamford Bridge but a week later looked like a comedy of errors against Leeds at Elland Road?" Garth said. "I saw a Champions League team made to look like a mid-table Premier League side, which is where they currently sit.

"Thomas Tuchel would do well to start directing some of his anger towards his players and not the games officials. Leeds, meanwhile, suddenly look like a proper Premier League team and Elland Road returning to the days when every team going there hated it.

"Harrison was the star of the show and has never looked back since he left Manchester City."

Find out who else made Garth's team of the week here

Tottenham are interested in signing 24-year-old Leeds and Wales forward Daniel James. (Alan Nixon, via Leeds Live), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

We asked for your views after Leeds United's 3-0 win over Chelsea at Elland Road on Sunday.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Frank: What an absolute performance from the whole team. If Leeds can build on this performance and maintain this level of football, you never know where we will finish up in this league.

Andrew: That was the most complete Leeds performance since returning to the Premier League. All those dark dark days, months and years make days like this all the more sweet.

Jack: Played excellently and it was obvious Jesse had a gameplan and the team stuck to it. I felt the unsung heroes where Tyler Adams and Marc Roca, who absolutely dominated in the midfield.

Richard: Leeds are looking like a team again. That said, there were great individual performances, with Meslier making some top-drawer saves and Harrison in great form. The unknown quantities proved their worth, with Adams arguably man of the match. Rodrigo is emerging as a real force at this level. Credit to Jesse Marsch, who got this one absolutely right.

Graham: The result gives optimism for the season - providing the team can reproduce what they did again and again. The energy and desire was there and it looked like a real team effort. Rodrigo is out of the shadow of Raphinha and looks a better player for it. Jack Harrison is the real deal and so important to this side. Onwards and upwards now.

Image source, Reuters

Rodrigo says he is "really proud to represent the club" after scoring and assisting in Leeds' thrilling victory over Chelsea.

The Spain forward has four goals from the opening three games and captained the team on Sunday.

"Everyone deserves these moments," he told BBC West Yorkshire Sport.

"The image the team showed was amazing, in front of a really good atmosphere. We are really happy for the start of the season."

Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch was also impressed with Rodrigo, believing he is in "the form of his life".

"I've really enjoyed working with him since I got here," said Marsch. "He's been massive for us, committed at the highest level and very positive."

Marsch also gave insight into the unique way he is getting his instructions over to his side.

"We are giving hand signals because it's really hard to communicate in Premier League stadiums," he said.

"We are trying not to over-complicate things by building messaging systems so that everyone knows - a bit like in baseball.

"If we can make a few hand signals then everything is clear."

The full Marsch interview is here on BBC Sounds

Did you miss Match of the Day 2 and that crucial last look at the weekend's Premier League action?

Fear not, you can get it right here.

And if you missed Match of the Day with Gary Lineker on Saturday, it's here.

Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is convinced his side dictated Sunday's win over Chelsea, a view not shared by Thomas Tuchel.

You can listen to a full Marsch news conference here or hit play on the clip below.

Image source, Reuters

The biggest compliment anyone can pay Leeds United at the moment is that "nobody is talking about Marcelo Bielsa any more".

That's the view of the Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards, who heaped praise on Jesse Marsch after his side hammered Chelsea at Elland Road on Sunday.

"It's put to bed those predictable and disrespectful jibes that Marsch doesn't know what he's doing," Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "He deserves more respect.

"I've been vocal about Leeds struggling this season after they lost the two best players from finishing fourth bottom last year, but the signs are really encouraging.

"It's early days but the best thing we can say is that nobody is talking about Bielsa now. He belongs in the past and this is Marsch's team."

More reaction to Sunday's performance is available from 21'19 on BBC Sounds