Jesse Marsch is thinking longer term after getting Leeds over the line

Jesse Marsch admitted the task he faced at Leeds as he took over from Marcelo Bielsa was almost a “band-aid project” after his side secured Premier League safety on the final day of the season at Brentford .

Leeds went into the match at the Brentford Community Stadium needing to improve on Burnley’s result at home to Newcastle and managed to secure victory over nine-man Brentford as the Clarets slipped to a 2-1 defeat .

Raphinha’s spot-kick gave Leeds the lead in the second half and Jack Harrison’s stoppage-time winner ensured Leeds beat the drop after Sergi Canos equalized for the Bees.

Marsch believes securing promotion has started the process at Leeds, but admitted there is still work to be done.

“It was almost a band project than it was a project about style of play and identity and developing an academy,” the American manager said.

“I mean, there’s so much to do. I think we really started the process in a good way and invested in each other and what we have as a resource and a player and a person and people’s perspective.

“But I think we’re just scratching the surface of the potential of what we want to become, so there’s a lot of work to be done.

“I mean, it’s almost everything, but I’m so grateful to work with the people that I work with every day, and I knew that regardless of the outcome today, we have a great future because of the people that are involved.”

Thomas Frank believes Brentford’s 13th place finish in their first Premier League season has shown their worth.

“I think we showed we could be an asset to the Premier League and that’s what I’m most proud of,” the Bees boss said after the final game of the season.

“I’m very proud of the overall performance and the way we performed as players and as a team.”

Frank added, “I think we did (an) outstanding job.”

“I’m very, very respectful of this league and (and) I don’t believe in second-season syndrome or that narrative.”