Jesse Marsch reveals why Bruno Lage’s Wolves tactics worry Leeds United

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has heaped praise on Bruno Lage and his ‘intelligent’ Wolverhampton Wanderers team.

Wolves are bidding to record a third straight Premier League win when they host Leeds at Molineux on Friday night after victories over Watford and Everton. Marsch, who replaced Marcelo Bielsa on February 28, secured his first win as Leeds boss against Norwich City last time out to cut a run of six straight defeats.

American coach Marsch has tweaked Leeds’ playing style from Bielsa’s ultra-attacking man-for-man system. The Elland Road outfit are now focusing more on transitions and playing off striker Patrick Bamford, who has recently returned to full fitness following a lengthy absence.

But Marsch admits Leeds face an incredibly difficult challenge at Molineux after being impressed by Wolves whilst doing his homework. “Fantastic team with intelligent players,” he said. “They are very well coached. I knew Lage is a good coach, but when I watched their team I was very impressed.

“They defend well, have good rotations and clarity in how they want to play. It’s a big challenge for us. It will test us in many ways against the ball with pressing, how we control them in the defensive third.

“They haven't given away one goal in transition all season and that's how we want to score. We must try to execute a simple match plan, and be succinct in all phases of the game. Defending well and not going behind will be important.”