Kristensen's fists, Maric makes presence felt, Marsch's Cagliari spat in Leeds United moments missed

The John Charles Stand may not be the tallest in English football, but it’s hardly claiming footballs every week, especially with its pitched roof. However, in the 17th minute of last night’s game, the ball found its way up there and left Jesse Marsch comically looking to the skies with his arms outstretched. Nothing came down.

Rasmus Kristensen has the makings of a cult hero at Elland Road. He appeals to the Scandinavian fanbase, he’s aggressive, built like a cruiserweight, runs for days and he wears his heart on his Leeds United sleeve.

On Sunday evening, in the 21st minute, he was caught celebrating the award of a free-kick like it was a goal. Tyler Adams went down on the edge of the box and Kristensen was giving it both fists as he went to tell the American how well he had done.

Leeds United player ratings as Kristensen and Aaronson dazzle in Cagliari thrashing

Rene Maric was one of two backroom appointments made at Thorp Arch this week. The 29-year-old has arrived with a glowing CV after positions at Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund.

This is the first game of his tenure at Elland Road and he was an immediate presence during the warm-up and in the dugout. He and Marsch were frequently speaking throughout the match as the Austrian gave his point of view.

Maric has been in the job less than a week, but it’s clear how he’s going to approach management. Much like Marsch, as the full-time whistle approached, he went down the full bench and sitting backroom staff to shake hands on a game well done.

Understandably, there was a bigger story going on as Leeds were facing Cagliari at Elland Road. England and Germany were going to extra time at Wembley as the match was starting in Leeds.

When