Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is hoping his side will use the challenge of facing bitter rivals Manchester United as motivation to bounce back to winning ways.
The fixture will be the first time that the Elland Road faithful have seen their side face United in 18 years.
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Leeds come into the game in mixed form, having won back-to-back games at the start of the year, Bielsa’s side are without a win in their last three and were comfortably beaten by a struggling Everton outfit last time out.
Speaking to the media ahead of the clash, Bielsa admitted that he is hoping a ‘classic game’ will help his side bounce back.
“A classic game is always a challenge that’s very motivating.”
Bielsa also praised the fans, admitting he couldn’t imagine a support better than the one they have already received.
“It’s not what I would like, but it’s what the fans give always. They always support the team unconditionally. It’s difficult to imagine a support better or bigger than the one we have already received.
Marcelo on #LUFC fans… pic.twitter.com/bMW5Sasl4B
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 18, 2022
“The presence of a classic opponent increases the enthusiasm, it’s going to be precious to witness it. Of course, we think more about what we can give to the public than what we receive of them.”
Bielsa also provided an update on a number of key player’s injuries including Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas
“Kalvin and Cooper continue their normal processes. The objective is they get to March available. The medical calculation was 12 weeks and that has not changed. Dallas is recovering. He hasn’t been discarded from Sunday’s game.
“[Leo Fuhr] Hjelde has an injury in his knee. If the process in the next three weeks is effective, he would be available in that term. It could happen he may not recover in those 20 days, which would result in a surgery.”
Bielsa also refused to commit his future to the club.
The Argentine historically signs one year deals at the end of every season but when asked if he could provide an update on his future with the club, Bielsa said: “It’s not a subject we should talk about at this moment.”
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