Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is under pressure as his side battles for Premier League survival

‘I did not hear any of that’: Leeds boss Jesse Marsch claims he was oblivious to fans raging at the club’s board and singing Marcelo Bielsa’s name as a last-gasp goal against Brighton lifted his ‘special group’ out of the Premier League relegation zone

Jesse Marsch says he shut out the noise of Leeds United’s supporter protest before the goal he has hailed as a ‘massive moment’ in their fight for survival.

The atmosphere inside Elland Road had turned sour as, with their team trailing 1-0 late in the second half, fans turned on the board and then sang the name of former boss Marcelo Bielsa.

But, in the 92nd minute, substitute Pascal Struijk headed an equalising goal to lift Leeds out of the bottom three with one game to play.

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is under pressure as his side battles for Premier League survival

Leeds manager Jesse Marsch is under pressure as his side battles for Premier League survival

Banners showing Marsch's predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, were seen as Brighton visited Leeds

Banners showing Marsch’s predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, were seen as Brighton visited Leeds

‘I did not hear any of that,’ said Marsch of the chants. ‘I was focused on the match and I thought the fans pushed us really well. They helped us get the win (sic), that’s what we need.

‘You must have an aggressive mindset to find a way to make a difference. We have a good group in that way. They emptied their tanks and invested so much to get us that point. It could wind up being a massive moment for us.’

Joe Gelhardt, the 20-year-old forward, created the goal after a sublime piece of skill inside the area.

Marsch said: ‘It was a very special play, really incredible. We need him, and he really grew into the game. 

Bielsa left in February but is still an iconic figure at Leeds after restoring them to the top flight

Bielsa left in February but is still an iconic figure at Leeds after restoring them to the top flight

‘We’re alive now. The resolve to fight for everything is what makes this group so special. I want the players when they look at me to believe we can do this, we have to have belief.’

Brighton boss Graham Potter, whose side dominated in the first half and led through Danny Welbeck, said: ‘This is one of the most hostile places in England.

‘We did really well in the first half and if we get a second it might make it not very nice [inside the stadium].

‘But Leeds kept going and I have no complaints with the draw. You have to give them credit.’

Marsch saw Leeds move out of the bottom three courtesy of a late goal and says they are 'alive'

Marsch saw Leeds move out of the bottom three courtesy of a late goal and says they are ‘alive’

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