Leeds take on Middlesbrough on Saturday afternoon at the Riverside.
Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has been quoted by Leeds Live as heaping huge praise on Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa ahead of Saturday’s clash between the two side – and Leeds have praised the Welsh boss.
Leeds have slipped into second place in the Championship after losing to Norwich City last Saturday, which sees the Canaries in first place above the Whites on goal difference.
Boro will be looking to make it five defeats in seven for Bielsa’s side, who have struggled to get over the line in recent matches – coinciding with the Spygate investigation.
Plenty of managers have complained about Bielsa’s antics, most notably Derby County boss Frank Lampard but ex-Stoke City, West Brom and Crystal Palace boss Pulis praised the former Argentine manager.
“I think they’ve been a breath of fresh air, the way they’ve played, the way he goes about things is very interesting. It’s been interesting for me as a coach to listen to people who work with him and to actually watch his teams play,” Pulis said.
“He’s interesting. And he’s different. I find it refreshing. People sometimes comment about too many foreign coaches coming into our game. I don’t think he’s mediocre. I think he’s top draw and he can only help the English game.”
Leeds drew with Middlesbrough earlier in the season at Elland Road, the match finishing 0-0. Boro currently sit in fifth position in the Championship table, seven points behind Boro – but the Teesside club do have a game in hand.
Whites fans reacted to Pulis’ comments on Twitter, praising the experienced Premier League and Football League manager for his praise of Bielsa – despite other managers’ criticism.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
