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George Bennett

'I expected more' - Pundits' pre-season Jesse Marsch and Leeds United predictions revisited

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has endured a rollercoaster ride during his first full season at the helm. There have been highs, most notably the victories over Chelsea and Liverpool, and the comeback win against AFC Bournemouth.

Then there have been significant lows, including an eight-match winless run that saw Marsch's future at Elland Road left hanging by a thread.

Marsch divided opinion in the media at the start of the season, and LeedsLive have taken a look at what a number of pundits said, and whether they've been proven right or wrong.

READ NEXT: Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch lands new role away from Elland Road during World Cup break

Robbie Mustoe - 'They might surprise a few'

Mustoe observed (Aug 8): "Yeah, given that there's relative success with these signings and given that Patrick Bamford can stay fit, and Joe Gelhardt this young player, I think they're going to have enough this season. With that club, the atmosphere, I think they're not going to be looking at the relegation zone.

"I think they're going to be better than last year, even though they've lost their two best players in Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips. Others might say they're going to struggle but I think they might surprise a few and be alright."

Mustoe has been proven right in regards to the summer signings. Rasmus Kristensen has risen to the challenge in the Premier League to succeed Luke Ayling at right-back, while Tyler Adams and Marc Roca have been a regular fixture in the heart of midfield.

Brenden Aaronson is another summer recruit who has shone, and Luis Sinisterra has shown glimpses of his quality in between injuries.

Nonetheless, form and fitness has continued to elude Bamford this season, and it would be too early to suggest that Leeds have improved from last season.

Leeds sit in 15th place after 16 games, just as they did at this stage last season. However, they were three points further away from the relegation zone under Marcelo Bielsa at the end of matchday 16.

Sol Bamba - 'It'll be different this season'

Bamba declared (11 Aug): "Last year Marsch came in and did well, he did okay. He kept them in the Premier League.

"I think it'll be different this season. He's had a pre-season under his belt, he's brought in his own players, so Leeds fans will be expecting a bit more. For them, it's about staying in the league first and foremost. If they can finish top 10, or higher than last season then it'll be a good season for them."

Leeds are yet to push on under Marsch this season and could find themselves in a similar position to the previous campaign.

However, the Premier League has proven to be an unpredictable beast this season, and Leeds have showcased their ability to pull off big results.

Inconsistency has been their biggest downfall, with the eight-match winless run which preceded the victory at Anfield leaving them watching nervously over their shoulder.

Although Leeds sit just two points above the relegation zone, they do have a game in hand over the teams directly below them. Furthermore, the Whites are just four points adrift of the top half, which shows just how tight the top flight is this term.

Carlton Palmer - 'I expected more'

Palmer said (Aug 9): "I've not been overly impressed with him. That [keeping Leeds in the Premier League] is not enough. It's not good enough.

"I expected a little bit more from him with all the hullabaloo that came with him coming in. They were very fortuitous to stay up last season and they'll have to do an awful lot better this season under him.

"They're lucky that it might only be one [relegation] spot. I think they'll be in the bottom half of the table."

Palmer's scathing criticism of Marsch was rather uncalled for at the time, especially considering his comments came after Leeds' 2-1 victory over Wolves in the opening game.

Nonetheless, the former England international is currently being proven right that Leeds are poised for another season battling it out in the bottom half.

It must be said that it is too early to make any striking statements, but Leeds' inconsistency has meant that Marsch has been unable to fully convince the supporters at this stage.

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