Leeds United director addresses criticism and makes World Cup break assessment on Whites season

A Whites side showing four changes from the Arsenal game were unable to maintain the performance that deserved more than a 1-0 defeat by the Gunners, when they took on the Foxes on Thursday night. And long before the full-time whistle went on a 2-0 loss in the Midlands, 3,000 away supporters made their feelings clear on what they were seeing from Marsch and his men.

For the first time in his tenure Marsch faced pointed questions over his future and had to apologise for not going over to the away support, having gone straight down the tunnel.

Writing in his programme notes for today's Fulham game at Elland Road, Kinnear admitted the flak taken by the club in the wake of that defeat, which extended their winless run to seven games, was warranted.

"After one of our best Premier League performances since promotion failed to yield at least the minimum point we deserved, we travelled to the King Power Stadium with the squad having renewed confidence and belief in both the collective system and their individual ability to compete with the best," he said. "This made the display at the King Power even more disappointing. The result understandably left the travelling support with the feeling we had taken one step forward, followed quickly by two steps back, and everyone at the club is big enough to take the criticism when it is justified."

The chief executive is keen for fans to keep in mind the journey the club's ownership have taken it on since their arrival and put on record his belief that they can turn the season around over the next 20 days.

"Whilst the overall trajectory during our custodianship has been upward, there have been many short term ‘ups and downs’ and we should remember that the false dawns and depressing defeats have been outnumbered by redeeming performances and inspiring victories," he said. "Whilst nobody can hide from the fact that our winless run is certainly troubling, there have been enough moments of quality from a team whose commitment can never be doubted. We should all have confidence we can correct the course of the season before the World Cup break and then return in December to build on a firm foundation."

The Leeds board made their stance on Marsch's position clear on Friday morning, insisting they had full faith in his ability and the project being built at Elland Road, but today's game, performance and result, will take on huge significance when it comes to belief in the American around the club.

Kinnear's plea to fans is to stick with him and the players: “As always, the outside world will take particular delight in reveling in our travails and, as always, the key to our success will be that supporters and team remain united.”