Pep Guardiola makes 'incredible' admission ahead of Leeds United v Manchester City
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has conceded his side will be visiting an “incredible” stadium for their battle with Leeds United.
Since the clubs were reunited in the Premier League in 2020, Leeds have managed to win just one of their seven meetings.
However, Manchester City will be taking on a Leeds side with a spring in their step tomorrow (February 28).
Leeds have lost just twice since December, with their gutsy second-half display at the Etihad Stadium in late November having been a turning point in their season.
Pep Guardiola on Elland Road test
In his pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: “Elland Road is Elland Road and Daniel made [good] last results. They went to Stamford Bridge [to play Chelsea] and Villa Park [to play Aston Villa] and got results. They have even the boost of the home crowd, but we’re ready for this challenge again.
“In 10 years, I’ve not been to Elland Road many times. Since Marcelo Bielsa promoted them to the Premier League, we’ve been there and it’s an incredible stadium with a good vibe. We know it.
“I think there are a lot of Premier League stadiums that are traditional and really good, Elland Road is one of them.”
Manchester City’s break
Guardiola is a manager renowned for his intensity and discipline, yet the 55-year-old has afforded his players some extra time off in the build-up to the game.
He said: “You know the idea, it’s not to go to the Maldives. Since September, October, they didn’t have long weeks so the moment you can have it, I learned in this country less is more.
“When you can train less because of the schedule, you have to clean the mind and legs to come back better. If we win, it’ll have been perfect, if not we have to play every three days.
“We’ve had our rest. We’ve made really good training sessions and we’re ready for Elland Road.”