Pep Guardiola has offered his thoughts on Manchester City’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United, touching specifically on what it will be like being back at Elland Road.
Manchester City will return to Elland Road this Saturday for the first time since December 2022, when the club were managed by Jesse Marsch.
It was City who claimed a 3-1 victory that day, as Rodri opened the scoring on the stroke of half time before an Erling Haaland double in the second half.
Leeds did slightly better when the two teams met earlier this season, with the scoreline level at 2-2 until Phil Foden found the net with a stoppage time winner.
Pep Guardiola praises Leeds ahead of Premier League clash
The Man City manager has spoken ahead of his team’s Saturday evening fixture and he is expecting a tough test from Leeds after their draw with Aston Villa last weekend.
However, Guardiola is feeling confident, despite the fact Daniel Farke’s men will have the vocal backing of their supporters.
He said in his press conference: “Elland Road is Elland Road and Daniel made [good] last results.
“They went to Stamford Bridge and Villa Park and got [good] results. They have even the boost of the home crowd, but we’re ready for this challenge again.
“In ten 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.”
Guardiola added: “I think there are a lot of Premier League stadiums that are traditional and really good, Elland Road is one of them.”
Man City have a strong record against Leeds
Since Leeds re-entered the Premier League in 2020, they have faced Man City seven times, picking up just one victory in the process.
City on the other hand have defeated their upcoming opponent five times during that time period, which includes winning their past five meetings.
Two of those were at Elland Road, with Guardiola leading his side to 4-0 and 3-1 victories respectively. Therefore, there is no reason for the manager to feel the ground famous atmosphere this time around.
