Leeds United welcome Sheffield United to Elland Road in Saturday’s top of the table Championship clash with Bielsa and Chris Wilder going head to head.
Chris Wilder has paid tribute to the impact Marcelo Bielsa has made at Leeds United this season while singling out Pablo Hernandez as the club’s star man, speaking to Jim White on talkSPORT (14 March, 11.30am).
Leeds are set to welcome Wilder’s Sheffield United to Elland Road on Saturday in what could arguably be described as their biggest game since the Championship play-off final against Watford 13 years ago.
The Whites are second in the table as it stands but The Blades can overtake them in the automatic promotion positions if they win in West Yorkshire.
But rather than stoke the fires before kick-off, Wilder has instead chosen to praise his managerial counterpart Bielsa, who has brought his innovative methods to England’s second tier and achieved huge success with the fallen giants.
“I have been intrigued. I think (Bielsa) has been a breath of fresh air,” said the former Northampton Town boss.
“I’ve watched his team and they’ve been outstanding this season. (Leeds have) a lot of talented players, he’s not scared to put a young player in and he is innovative in the way he plays.
“He’s been excellent, his approach and his influence on Leeds United and the division.”
When quizzed about Leeds key player, Wilder pointed to the calibre of veteran playmaker Hernandez, who has represented Valencia and the Spanish national team in an impressive career.
“(Hernandez) has played in the Champions League, he’s a Spanish international. They’re a proper team.”
Hernandez scored a late winner as Leeds beat Sheffield United 1-0 at Bramall Lane in December and he is heading into the return fixture in sensational form. The 33-year-old scored two glorious goals in the 3-0 midweek win at Reading.
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