Jesse Marsch urges Leeds stars not to let this winter’s World Cup distract them from club football

Jesse Marsch admits the lure of playing in the World Cup is motivating many of his stars, but warned it cannot distract Leeds United from the Premier League.

Americans Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams could make the trip to Qatar and there’s another eight Leeds players vying for contention, including Wales’s Dan James and Patrick Bamford of England.

‘I do not have one eye on the World Cup. I have total focus on every day here, but we have to always have an overview of what’s happening,’ Marsch said ahead of his side taking on Chelsea today.

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch has urged his World Cup hopefuls to stay focused on their club

‘It means that we know the players within the squad who have the potential to go to the World Cup have the motivation to do well here. 

‘Even after just two games, we know as a team that every match is a massive challenge. 

‘If there is any distraction or lack of concentration, then we are done.

Patrick Bamford (right) is one of eight players hoping to travel to Qatar this winter

‘All of our players who are trying to make the World Cup, the better they do here, the better chances they have of making their national team — they all know that.’

Today’s game is a reminder of one of his club’s most famous rivalries, going back to the 1970 FA Cup final, and Marsch admits to being inspired by Leeds’ illustrious past, with 25 books in his office, gifts from fans, on club history.

‘It’s a reminder of the standard we’re trying to create. I’m always picturing the trophies and our captain holding them aloft,’ he said.