Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch admits his side are in unchartered territory as they battle to survive in the Premier League after a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea handed Burnley the advantage in the battle at the bottom.
The Clarets were not in action in midweek but remain outside the relegation zone on goal difference having played a game fewer than the Whites, while Everton’s 0-0 draw at Watford means the Toffees are two clear with three to play. Burnley have a superior goal difference to Leeds and so six points from their final three fixtures will secure top flight football.
Mike Jackson’s men visit Tottenham on Sunday (12noon) and the Clarets will be hoping to draw on their previous experience in beating the drop to help them stay above the bottom line while Leeds, who finished ninth on their return to the top flight last season, are facing a relegation battle at this level for the first time, something not lost on Marsch.
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“None of us have lived this,” he said. “In big games we make the exact same mistakes. We are all in this together and doing everything we can. We’re up for the challenge.”
For the second successive game Leeds had a man sent off with Dan James dismissed in the first half against Chelsea meaning he joins Luke Ayling on the banned list for the remainder of the season. The Blues were already a goal to the good and went on to secure a comfortable victory.
Marsch added: “Two tackles in the last two games that are a little bit crossing the line and hurting the team. I’m not going to blame or finger point any of our players. They’ve given everything they can. We have to stay within boundaries in not jeopardising ourselves.
“The players are so committed, they deserve more. I’m trying to help them to earn it. I have to stay strong with my belief which I have. “I believe we can still fight for every point left. Until the red card there were a lot of good things. I like our team, I like the club, I love the fanbase. I’m really happy here. We had our backs against the wall in a very difficult situation.”
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