Pascal Struijk has been speaking to the media about a range of topics at Leeds United.
The Dutchman discussed his hopes of appearing at the FIFA World Cup in the United States this summer, and how it felt to be snubbed by Louis van Gaal for the prestigious competition in 2022.
Pascal Struijk also spoke about Daniel Farke and what the German has instilled at Leeds United – appearing to criticise Jesse Marsch in the process.
Pascal Struijk suggests Jesse Marsch’s style of football was not “realistic” in the Premier League
The Leeds United No.5 has spoken to ELF Voetbal in the Netherlands, where he made an interesting comment about the American.
Struijk said: “The start is similar to our last season in the Premier League. We started well then too, but of course, we can always do better. The squad has become more qualitative thanks to several new signings, and we’re playing more realistic football than in the previous Premier League season.”
Marsch actually outdid Farke at the start of the 2022/23 campaign, accumulating 13 points from the opening nine games compared to 11 points from nine outings this term.
However, the man from Wisconsin only went on to win 31 points in total while conceding 78 goals, more than any other side in the league that season – reinforcing the unrealistic nature of his ambitious style which Struijk alluded to.
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Jesse Marsch tactic might need to return if Pascal Struijk wants to increase chances of playing time
Marsch often played Struijk at left-back during his time in charge, a slightly different position to his natural role in the centre of defence.
Pascal Struijk in action during Leeds United v Everton - Premier League
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Farke has often used the 26-year-old in the centre of defence, although he actually opted to drop him in place of Jaka Bijol for the 2-1 win over West Ham last time out.
Leeds already have a solid option at left-back already following the arrival of Gabriel Gudmundsson.
However, after Struijk was dropped, and also has Sebastiaan Bornauw to compete with at centre-back, perhaps he should offer himself as an option at left-back again to bolster his chances of playing time.