Jesse Marsch hails Leeds’ galliant performance against Liverpool that has ‘stopped the bleeding’

Jesse Marsch praised a performance in Leeds that helped them ‘stop the bleeding’ after Crysencio Summerville’s dramatic late strike stunned Liverpool.

Summerville turns 21 today and celebrated his historic birthday in the most spectacular way by scoring in the 89th minute to inflict Liverpool’s first home defeat in the Premier League for supporters since April 2017.

While Jurgen Klopp lamented his team’s wretched inconsistency that has left them with too much to do to qualify for the Champions League, Marsch was overjoyed with Leeds’ brave performance which allowed them to win the Premier League for the first time since August.

Crysencio Summerville’s dramatic late goal (pictured) surprised the Reds and gave Leeds the win

It’s been a torturous couple of months for Marsch, whose side was booed after losing 3-2 to Fulham last Sunday, and the position he took in February has been criticized but this unexpected win couldn’t have come at a better time. come. .

“At the 1-1 we talked last week when it was close to Fulham that we were waiting to lose more than pushing to win and I think the best part was you saw real determination at 1-1. We needed Illan (Meslier) to make some big saves, but I think the mentality to push and stay in the game was there.

“We didn’t want to run away with one and see if we could get three, showed determination and faith. It was necessary to stop the bleeding. The boys are happy. There is music (in the dressing room). That is amazing. I want them to enjoy the moment. We need to use this to launch ourselves.

“I don’t know (if the pressure has eased on me). I’m just happy for our team because I believe in them, I’ve told them that many times. I challenged them to get better, to stay united. At a time like that, I think if you’re a true leader, your focus is on your people.’

It is Liverpool’s second league defeat on the bounce, having succumbed to Forest last week

Rodrigo (right) tapped into Leed’s opener after Joe Gomez and Alisson slipped in the back

Leeds got off to a perfect start when a poor back pass from Joe Gomez and a slip from Alisson Becker enabled Rodrigo to tap in an unguarded goal, but Liverpool had equalized within 10 minutes when Mohamed Salah converted a volley.

Liverpool, however, was never settled and Leeds kept getting chances. There were gaping holes throughout Liverpool’s line-up, with a number of players – such as Fabinho, Thiago Alcantara and Harvey Elliott – struggling to give their best.

However, to the credit of Marsch’s team they never settled for a draw in the last 10 minutes and Summerville’s goal – which saw Leeds beat Liverpool for the first time since April 2001 – was well deserved.

“I think the players fought for us,” said Marsch. “They believe in what we do. It has been painful for all of us. They take heat, the manager takes heat. What I’m thinking about is staying stable and strong.’

Jurgen Klopp (pictured) was saddened after his side now ranks ninth

Klopp didn’t feel like Liverpool were pushing for Champions League football this season

Klopp, on the other hand, looked crestfallen at the final whistle and would not harbor the idea that Liverpool would be involved in the pursuit of the top four, especially as they are closer to the bottom three than the Champions League spots.

“That’s not my main concern,” Klopp said. “But of course I’m not that stupid not to know what distances are and who is above them, but we can’t qualify for the Champions League if we play as changeable as we are at the moment. We have to solve that. We know that anything is possible.’

Crysencio Summerville has plans to return to the Netherlands today for a big birthday celebration and the celebrations will be extra special.

Summerville wasn’t even born when Leeds last won at Anfield – Rio Ferdinand and Lee Bowyer scored the goals on Good Friday, April 2001 – but his name will be in the club folklore as his strike resulted in a 2-1 win.

He moved from Feyenoord to Leeds two years ago and this has the potential to be his breakthrough season. He scored his first goal against Fulham last Sunday and is now doing well, but manager Jesse Marsch wants to see full commitment from the attacker.

“I think he came off the bench last week and played really well,” said Marsch. “He was good against Leicester. We know we have a good player on our hands with him. The main thing is discipline, work ethic.

“I’ve worked with a lot of young attacking players, I’ve helped them to become world stars and I think Crysencio has the potential to get better and become a big player for us.”