Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has insisted that the signing of Hoffenheim forward Georginio Rutter last Saturday [14 January] was done with the “long-term project” in mind.
Rutter joined the Whites for a deal which could rise up to €40m, making him the club’s record signing.
As Leeds currently sit 14th in the table, just two points above the drop zone, the hope is that marquee signings such as Rutter will make an instant impact.
Marsch has stressed the importance of the 20-year-old’s capacity for growth in his pre-Cardiff press conference however, indicating that the Frenchman is a signing for the future as well as the here and now.
“Everything we’re trying to do here, we’re looking at what’s more important for the long-term project,” Marsch said.
“I’ve known him for a while, I watched him while I was at Leipzig.
“He’s explosive; talented with a lot of potential.”
The American will be hoping that the signings made so far this window in Rutter and defender Max Wober will provide a much-needed boost to a team struggling for form after winning 4 out of 18 games in the Premier League this season.
Shift in focus needed
Whilst it’s reassuring that the club are making signings with the future of the squad in mind, it’s an odd time for Marsch to emphasise it in a press conference considering how much pressure his position is under currently.
In short, the Whites are desperate for wins right now, and Rutter must perform immediately to prove he is worth the club record fee that Leeds paid for him.
To be frank, it is hard to see Marsch still being in the top job this time next week if he doesn’t pick up a win against Brentford on Sunday, so this talk about the “long-term project” at Leeds seems misplaced.
Marsch will no doubt be hoping that results will turn, allowing him to see the project he has in mind come to fruition.
And it could very well be the new signing of Rutter who could save his skin.
