Cracks began to show for the first time in Mateusz Klich’s suitability in Jesse Marsch's system at Crystal Palace, but Leeds United’s return there could bring the pair full circle this weekend. Klich may have been the title-winning heartbeat of 2020, but he was on the verge of leaving this summer until the air was cleared with Marsch.
There were a couple of animated interactions between the pair at Selhurst Park in April before the Pole was ultimately hauled off at the break. Klich continued to play down the home straight for Marsch and there was never any suggestion of a breakdown between them, but it was a prelude to what would come this summer.
As new faces arrived, Klich slipped down the pecking order and his lack of game time in pre-season was the elephant in the room. Marsch would eventually admit he could not be sure where the 32-year-old would be when the transfer window finally closed.
READ MORE: Leeds United's World Cup plan dictated by managerless Wolves but Jesse Marsch's made one guarantee
Ultimately, Marsch had players who could better carry out what he wanted on the pitch and Klich needed to know he had at least the chance of playing with the World Cup on the horizon. All bets were off and all parties were bracing themselves for the end of an era with one of Marcelo Bielsa’s most-trusted lieutenants.
Frank conversations were had. Player and coach never allowed the problem to sour relations and they were honest with one another about where they stood. Those attitudes would ultimately salvage the situation and clear the air, along with a little help of Klich magic from the bench on the opening day.
They found some common ground. Marsch could not promise starts, but it’s clear Klich is being trusted from the bench and, the player must hope, being given an honest chance of forcing his way in if he plays well enough.
The transfer talk faded away and Klich’s settled into a support role from the sidelines when matches need something a little different. From the fractious tête-à-têtes of April in Croydon, Klich may, ironically, find his way back into the starting line-up for the first time this season at the same ground.
Luis Sinisterra’s suspension has paved the way for someone to get a foot in the door. The smart money will be on Patrick Bamford to shuffle a few pieces around, but lingering fitness questions could turn Marsch to Klich or Crysencio Summerville.
The latter is the direct replacement, while the former has the experience and guile that pushes Brenden Aaronson into the wider role he held at the start of the campaign. It’s too tight to call, but Klich’s sure to be saved from the double-pivot posting which caused such issues at Palace last time.
READ NEXT:
Joe Gelhardt's omission, Wilfried Gnonto's Leeds chance and Victor Orta's Chelsea temptations
Leeds United would need to break the habit of a year for Joe Gelhardt to even become a debate
Sonny Perkins and Mateo Joseph are forcing the Leeds United issue with Jesse Marsch
Jesse Marsch has delivered his Leeds United message to players unhappy with their match time
Victor Orta's Chelsea temptation, Sonny Perkins's Leeds United chance, 49ers Enterprises takeover
