Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has raved about Marcelo Bielsa ahead of his side’s mouthwatering Championship showdown against Leeds United tomorrow night.
Speaking at his media briefing on Thursday afternoon, as quoted by Yorkshire Evening Post correspondent Lee Sobot, Pulis explained what makes Bielsa special.
Pulis described his opposite number as a “top, top manager” who is “what Leeds need” and has the “experience to ride the enthusiasm and potential there”.
Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis on Marcelo Bielsa: "He is a top, top manager. He’s a top coach who knows the game, he’s very experienced, he knows what the game is all about." #lufc
— Lee Sobot (@LeeSobotYEP) August 30, 2018
Tony Pulis on Marcelo Bielsa: "He’s been at some big clubs and he has the experience to handle the situation there. And that’s what Leeds need, they need someone with the experience to ride the enthusiasm and potential there." #lufc
— Lee Sobot (@LeeSobotYEP) August 30, 2018
OPINION
As a promotion specialist with extensive experience in the Championship, lower leagues as well as the Premier League, Pulis knows what it takes to succeed. The 60-year-old’s appraisal of Bielsa is effusive and warm, and reflects his genuine admiration of a member of the coaching fraternity who has taken the English second tier by storm this season. Tomorrow’s match-up between Leeds and Boro is a huge match, given the two unbeaten sides are locked together at the top of the Championship with only goal difference separating them. Victory for either side would send them three points clear heading into the international break. Pulis knows Leeds are in safer hands than for years, but the home side will also know what to expect from the visitors, who will be organised, well drilled and, as per any Pulis side, extremely hard to beat. You can expect plenty of respect from both teams.