When he spoke to the media after Friday’s win, Marsch admitted it was probably for the best if his side spent the weekend apart after the reminder Raphinha’s plight gave everyone of an illness which can rip through a squad. Asked about his plans for the international break and if he hoped to get as many bodies out of the treatment room as possible,
Jesse Marsch said: “Yes. In the euphoria after the game I gave them tomorrow (Saturday) off and then about 10 minutes later, I was like, ‘Why did I do that?’, but they deserved it. You know, and even with the Covid situation with Raphinha, it might be best for us not to be around each other for a few days and hopefully we won’t pick up any more cases.”
In a season which has delivered just seven wins in 30 matches and the loss of an iconic head coach, Marsch knows it has been a grind for this squad.
Jesse Marsch said: “Certainly, mentally and physically, the men, it’s not just in my time here, it’s for the last three to four months, it’s been a grind for our group, so they’ve earned the chance to enjoy a little free time in their families.”