Duo are beginning to set the benchmark for Leeds United

FOLLOWING a Leeds United performance which was abundant with positives, head coach Marcelo Bielsa was left to reflect on two aspects which particularly stood out in his side’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City.
Leeds United's Ian Poveda is challenged by Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte. Picture: Simon HulmeLeeds United's Ian Poveda is challenged by Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte. Picture: Simon Hulme
Leeds United's Ian Poveda is challenged by Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte. Picture: Simon Hulme

The much-hyped meeting of two managerial luminaries in Bielsa and Pep Guardiola emphatically lived up to its billing as Leeds overcame a testing start to rally magnificently against City.

The backslaps were afforded to Rodrigo, who scored just three minutes after coming off the bench to cancel out Raheem Sterling’s 17th-minute opener shortly before the hour mark.

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But the impact of fellow substitute in ex-City winger Ian Poveda was not lost on Bielsa.

He said: “First of all, he is a very highly technical player,

“He is a competitive player and he has physical resources which I haven’t seen before. He is a player who in sprints and distance covered has immense values.

“This player came to Leeds thanks to Victor Orta and when I saw him, I did not think he was going to have the evolution that he is having or the qualities that he is showing.”

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On Rodrigo’s showing, Bielsa added: “Progressively, he will begin to show the great quality that he has.

“He had a very good start (against City) and perhaps the pace of the game hindered him towards the end of the (second) half. When he is able to play at a good physical level, I think he will make a difference.”

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Thank you

James Mitchinson

Editor

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