Rio Ferdinand has drawn comparisons between Jesse Marsch and a memorable former Premier League manager following his first outing as Leeds boss.
The Whites fell to an agonising 1-0 loss to Leicester to extend their winless run to seven matches.
Leeds fans were able to witness Marsch on the touchline for the first time during the game, who was often seen gesticulating to his players as they went in search of an equaliser.
Following full-time, he gathered his players in a huddle on the pitch to deliver some words of encouragement.
Speaking after the game on BT Sport, Ferdinand said the American triggered memories of an enigmatic manager who also had to contend with relegation fears during his time at Hull City.
“He reminds me of Phil Brown from back in the day, not quite as comical,” he said.
“He wants to get across that spirit, that team ethic.”
Brown produced one of the Premier League’s most infamous moments in 2008 when he gave an on-pitch half-time team talk against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
At the end of that season, he took to the KCom Stadium pitch to sing to the Hull fans after securing final day survival.
While Marsch may not choose to take to the microphone in celebration, his sole aim will be to also keep his side in the top-flight.
Despite Saturday’s loss, Ferdinand explained there were several positives to take from the game.
The former Elland Road defender added: “What he’s got to grab onto today is it wasn’t three or four. They conceded one goal in the second half.
“First half they looked good, equally as good a side as Leicester. I thought second half, very bitty game, very scrappy game.
“Not huge amounts of quality from either team really but what he will be pleased with is they created some chances.”
Ferdinand also pointed out that Marsch should take heart from Leicester goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel being handed the man of the match award.
“They had a hell of a lot of chances and the man of the match says it all,” he said. “I think he’s got to cling to things like that."
However, he warned: “The man of the match was the home team’s goalkeeper so yes they created chances, they weren’t clinical enough and they get beat with a goal, a good goal.
“At the end of the day, this level, if you don’t take your chances when they come to you, you get published.”
Leeds next host Aston Villa on Thursday before they welcome Norwich to Elland Road on Sunday.
