Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Oliver Jones

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch defends 'really important' Diego Llorente ahead of Aston Villa

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has defended centre-back Diego Llorente after a string of bad performances has led to heavy criticism aimed at the Spaniard.

Llorente was said to be at fault for multiple of Brentford's goals in the 5-2 loss at the start of September which was the side's last game before this weekend's match against Aston Villa.

The American left Llorente on for the full 90 minutes against the Bees, with Leeds Live's own Beren Cross giving him a 2/10 rating after the match finished.

READ MORE: Leeds United line-ups vs Aston Villa as Drameh, Llorente and Gelhardt are axed

READ MORE: Leeds United injury list and return dates as Whites feel benefit of pre-Aston Villa break

Speaking at his Friday press conference ahead of the Aston Villa fixture, Marsch spoke about the conversation he'd had with Llorente and how he still felt the 29-year-old could be a difference maker in the upcoming weeks.

"Diego and I spoke and we looked at a few things. He knew it wasn't his best performance, but he also knows that he's incredibly important and he's had a lot of really good matches up until this point in the season.

"I spoke to him and I said listen, ‘we have to find a way to get Coops and Luke going and everyone because they're big leaders in our team and really important and Diego is going to continue to be really important.

"So again, that will be another decision that won't be easy to make, but I think no matter who I choose there'll be ready to go."

READ NEXT:

Leeds United news as Steven Gerrard details preparation for 'tough' Elland Road challenge

Jesse Marsch cuts through Llorente vs Cooper and Kristensen vs Ayling noise

Steven Gerrard forced into 'frustrating' injury update before Aston Villa's trip to Leeds United

Robin Koch relishing Leeds United return but wary of Aston Villa dangers

Leeds United fans slam 'disgraceful' Liverpool fixture change that causes travel issues

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.