Leeds United press conference: Every word Michael Skubala said on Jesse Marsch, Man Utd and injuries

Follow live updates of Leeds United’s pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with Manchester United.
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Leeds United’s first press conference since the sacking of Jesse Marsch takes place today, and you can follow it live right here.

The Whites decided to move on from Marsch after 11 months on Monday, less than 24 hours after a potentially costly defeat to Nottingham Forest. The search for a new manager has now begun, but in the meantime, under-21s boss Michael Skubala will take charge as with back-to-back games against Manchester United this week, the first of which takes place on Wednesday night.

Skubala will face the media this afternoon as he dives in at the deep end, and you can follow live updates of the press conference below.

Leeds United pre-Man Utd press conference

Key Events

  • Was Marsch sacking fair?
  • Injury update
  • How Jesse said goodbye
  • Game plan for Old Trafford
  • What has happened since Marsch was sacked?

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Leeds United’s pre-Man Utd press conference.

Michael Skubala is the interim man in charge of the Whites, and he will be facing the media this afternoon, at noon, to be specific.

The staff preparing Leeds for Man Utd

Michael Skubala is the longest-serving member of the coaching trio that will prepare the team for Wednesday night’s visit to Old Trafford. The Under-21s head coach has been with the club since last summer and currently works with the development squad in Premier League 2 Division 2. Skubala stood in for Mark Jackson during a number of first-team games, following his departure in December, taking his position on the bench alongside Marsch before Chris Armas’ recent appointment.

Assistant head coach Armas has elected to remain at Leeds having only arrived at the club two weeks ago. The American is a former teammate, assistant and close confidante of Marsch’s but has sought to stay at Elland Road despite the 49-year-old’s departure on Monday afternoon.

Francisco ‘Paco’ Gallardo is a former Sevilla player and youth team coach who has taken charge of the juvenile setup at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, as well as the Andalusian club’s ‘C’ and ‘B’ teams before joining Leeds United late last year.

Here is the updated list of favourites for the Leeds United job.

Skubala has plenty to discuss today. Here are some of the possible topics.

  • Marsch sacking
  • Team’s response to sacking
  • Managing in the interim
  • Man Utd clash/clashes
  • Team news/injury updates
  • Relegation worries

Just a reminder that today’s press conference kicks off at noon. We’re 15 minutes away from Skubala taking the mic.

Alrighty, let’s get this show on the road.

Stay tuned for live updates. Skubala is now in the room, and we’re kicking off today’s press conference.

MS: “Last 24 hours, Victor and Angus came up to me to tell me they had removed Jesse. It was a discussion that had to take place, and then they spoke to me and staff members to figure out how to get through this period.”

Who will pick the team?

MS: “It’s a collective approach. We will pick the team together, as any modern team does. We will work hard to make sure we have a strong team to push Man Utd.

“I would say it’s an exciting prospect. It’s Manchester United and it’s an exciting prospect. We will do the best job we can do. it’s not daunting but exciting, I would say.”

What is the mood like?

MS: “Jesse was a good guy, and the team was working hard for Jesse. But they are used to changes as professional athletes. the mood is...I wouldn’t say down, but they are okay. We have to focus on getting points against Manchester United.”

MS: “Chris (Armas) came in with Jesse a couple of weeks ago. He is still getting to know the club and the players, but he has Premier League experience before. Paco Gallardo worked with me as a development coach with the under-21s, and he has plenty of experience in Span and in Italy.”

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