Leeds United boss Marco Bielsa was given much praise by his forthcoming number in the opposition dugout Thomas Tuchel ahead of the weekend meeting at Elland Road between Bielsa’s men and Chelsea.
Tuchel’s west Londoners head into Saturday’s top-flight game on the back of a six-game unbeaten run under their new coach, who took over from Frank Lampard earlier this year, and has played a major role in the turnaround evident at Stamford Bridge.
With recent victories over Liverpool and Everton solidifying Chelsea’s hopes of ensuring a top-four finish this season in the Premier League, Tuchel believes that the upcoming game against Leeds could prove to be a real test for his side, with the German adding special praise for Marcelo Bielsa.
“When you are manager in the Premier League it’s a challenge to face these big clubs with huge reputations,” said Tuchel in his pre-game interview.
“I remember Leeds United when I was a player the second division in Germany at Stuttgart – we played Leeds in a famous game.
“There are big teams and tomorrow again with a big history, strong players, strong manager and Marcelo Bielsa is clearly one of the most fascinating managers out there with a big personality.
“Leeds have built a strong squad with Marcelo Bielsa to get promoted and to play in a season like this it’s amazing.
“But like with any other game I won’t put the pressure on myself that I must personally beat and out tactic Marcelo Bielsa this is not how we approach games.”
Chelsea’s next opponents in domestic action have not exactly hit the ground running in recent times and with five defeats in their last six outings, Marco Bielsa’s Leeds outfit would hope to return to much-needed winning ways when hosting the Blues come Saturday.
Tuchel and Co., meanwhile, go into the weekend clash knowing that another win on the road could prove to quite pivotal in their chase of the third-placed Leicester City, further strengthening their top-four credentials.
