McClean failed to provide the difference as Leeds secured all three points.
Stoke City winger James McClean has admitted on Instagram that Leeds United showed more fight than the Potters as he failed to provide the difference on his competitive debut for his new side on Sunday.
Leeds ran out 3-1 winners with an excellent display that saw Marcelo Bielsa’s tactics pay off, as Gary Rowett’s side struggled to cope with the high press and attacking formation adopted by the Whites.
Matuesz Klich gave Leeds the lead with an excellent goal, before Pablo Hernandez doubled the lead with a goal that will go down as Jack Butland’s mistake. Benik Afobe scored a penalty for Stoke, but Liam Cooper secured the three points.
McClean posted on Instagram on Monday morning after the result, and congratulated Leeds for their win – stating the Yorkshire outfit deserved the three points because they showed more desire to battle.
“In this league you have to ready battle first, we didn’t do yesterday, Leeds did to their credit,” McClean said. “Positive note its the only first game, we’ll learn and move on from it. Thanks to the travelling fans for your support.”
McClean joined Stoke this summer from West Bromwich Albion for a fee of £5million, with Rowett a fan of his hard work and determination – as well as his ability to show technique and an eye for goal.
But he was kept quiet by the Leeds defence, with Luke Ayling, Captain Cooper, Gaetano Berardi and Barry Douglas all impressing – so much so that goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell had little to do other than conceding a penalty.
Leeds are next in action away at Derby County on Saturday evening, while Rowett’s Stoke take on Brentford at the Britannia.
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