Soccer
Former Salzburg coach Jesse Marsch suffered a narrow defeat on his debut with Leeds United in the English Premier League. In the away game at Leicester City on Saturday, the American team, which was in serious danger of being relegated, lost 1-0 despite a committed performance. Southampton go home with a 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa. Liverpool beat West Ham 1-0. Chelsea beat Burnley 4-0.
Leeds only announced Marsch’s signing on Monday. The 48-year-old subsequently hired Franz Schiemer, with whom he had already worked with the “Bullen”, as an assistant coach. The English club had parted ways with coach Marcelo Bielsa, who was popular with the fans, after four defeats in a row. Despite full commitment under new management, the “Whites” conceded a goal from Leicester’s Harvey Barnes in the 67th minute.
Coach Ralph Hasenhüttl also suffered a 4-0 defeat at Aston Villa with Southampton. It was the first since mid-January when they lost to Wolverhampton. Philippe Coutinho, who was fired at FC Barcelona, shone for the home side with a goal and an assist.
“Turn-Around” and declarations of solidarity
Liverpool struggled against West Ham in the evening, but won 1-0 after a goal from Sadio Mane (27th). The “Reds”, who sometimes had to tremble before conceding a goal in the second half, reduced the gap to leaders Manchester City to at least three points until Sunday. The defending champions then take on city rivals United in the Manchester derby.
Third-placed Chelsea struck three times in eight minutes in the second half (47′, 52′, 55′) after a goalless half at Burnley. The German Kai Havertz shone in this phase with a brace. Ahead of the 4-0 win, Chelsea fans chanted the name of long-time owner Roman Abramovich during shows of solidarity with Ukraine. The Russian billionaire, who is said to be close to Vladimir Putin, recently announced that he would sell the top club.
