Mauricio Pochettino has told Sky Sports that ‘for sure’ the Leeds United players will understand how ‘very demanding’ Marcelo Bielsa is as a coach.
The former Tottenham boss also stated that the ‘big challenge’ for the Leeds players is to be able to maintain the high energy levels Bielsa demands from them.
Pochettino worked under Leeds’ popular figure throughout his playing career from Newell’s Old Boys to the Argentina national team.
He shared his thoughts on Bielsa’s style and whether or not those in Yorkshire can maintain the very high standards they are already setting this season.
“It is really, really, really tough,” said Pochettino. “I think the Leeds players, for sure, understand what I am telling you. It is so tough because he is a very demanding coach.
On Leeds maintaining intensity: “”I hope so because it is very enjoyable to watch Leeds.
“It is very difficult for me to be objective when it comes to Marcelo because with Jorge Griffa and Marcelo Bielsa, they are like my two footballing fathers and I am so grateful to them.
“But that is, I think, the big challenge for him to keep being consistent because it is a tough game to play and to develop the game that he wants to apply you need to not only be focused and concentrate but the physical demands are so high.”
It could be argued that, from a physical perspective, the Leeds players should find the Premier League a lot easier than the Championship.
Straight off the bat, there are fewer games and fewer midweek matches, which allows the team to recover in a more efficient and stronger manner.
Therefore, all of that should allow Leeds to maintain their energy levels for a lot longer than most would envisage.
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