David Moyes has been awash with praise for his Leeds United counterpart, Marcelo Bielsa, ahead of West Ham United’s trip to Elland Road on Saturday, via quotes by football.london.
The Irons travel to West Yorkshire looking to extend their top-flight winning streak over the Whites. West Ham won both of their meetings with Leeds last term after Bielsa led his side to promotion in 2019/20. Winning 2-1 at Elland Road and 2-0 at the London Stadium.
Leeds will hope to snap their losing streak this weekend and claim a first win of the Premier League season. The Whites are one of five teams still yet to take all three points after two defeats and three draws. While the Hammers have two wins, two draws and one loss.
Tough start for Leeds
Moyes believes Leeds have had a tough start to the term with their opening run of fixtures. Bielsa’s men have already faced Manchester United, Everton and Liverpool, who sit in the top-six of the table. While four of West Ham’s opponents to date rank in the bottom-nine.
Nonetheless, Bielsa’s Leeds have impressed Moyes ahead of West Ham’s trip to Elland Road on Saturday. The Irons boss believes the Whites are an exciting team to watch and will give his side a tough challenge. While delivering specific praise for Bielsa’s work.
“If you watch their games, they have had a difficult start to the season,” Moyes said. “I am a big admirer of Marcelo Bielsa because of his record, and everyone enjoys watching Leeds United. It is a really tough game, the energy they put into their game, it is going to be a test for anyone who plays them.
Moyes added: “His teams have always had incredible energy, man-to-man marking in all areas of the pitch. But I think they’re more than that: they’re a really good long passing team. And for that, the manager deserves a lot of credit. He does great work with them and has done great work with Leeds United.”
Moyes reciprocates Bielsa praise with Leeds comments
Moyes’ praise for Bielsa and comments on Leeds’ exciting style follow the Argentine noting how West Ham have improved. Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Bielsa shared, via the Leeds website: “West Ham are the same team as last season.
“I see they have improved in their creative play. They have a very stable manner in which they play, and the majority of the players are better this year than they were last year.”
Moyes will hope his work improving the Hammers’ offensive ability comes to the fore on Saturday. West Ham have already scored 11 goals over their opening five Premier League games. While Leeds boast one of the division’s leakiest defences with 12 conceded. Only Norwich City (14) and Newcastle United (13) have shipped more so far this season.
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