Leeds got their 2018-19 promotion bid off to a flyer with a 3-1 win over Stoke.
Pablo Hernandez has told Leeds United’s official website that new manager Marcelo Bielsa’s high press against Stoke City was the key to their 3-1 victory at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.
Stoke have been widely considered favourites to win the Championship this season after keeping a hold of star players such as Joe Allen, Jack Butland and Ryan Shawcross, while signing Ashley Williams, Tom Ince and Benik Afobe.
But Leeds dominated from start to finish against Gary Rowett’s side, with goals coming from Mateusz Klich, Hernandez and captain Liam Cooper, while Afobe scored from the penalty spot in the second half.
Leeds are sitting pretty in second place in the table and Hernandez believes that Bielsa’s high press put Stoke on the back foot and gave Leeds the advantage during the heavyweight clash in Yorkshire.
“We controlled the ball and controlled the game, there were parts in the game where we lost a bit of control, but over the 90 minutes we deserved the win,” Hernandez said.
“We had a high press always, all together, which is important for us, we’ve worked a lot over the six weeks at the training ground on this and it was good for us.
“Over the six weeks we have worked hard, we’ve had a tough six weeks, but I know from experience, if you are going to be good, you work hard in pre-season.”
Argentine boss Bielsa is renowned for his style of football, somewhat inventing the high-pressing style of football that has since drawn praise from Premier League managers Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola.
Poland international Klich scored the first after good work from Samu Saiz, before Gjanni Alioski fed Hernandez who fired beyond Butland to double the score. An Afobe penalty restored hope for Stoke, but Cooper headed home to ensure all three points.
Leeds face another tricky test as they travel to Pride Park to face Frank Lampard’s Derby County next time out, on Saturday evening.
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