Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has told Leeds Live that he thinks Preston have been one of the best teams in the Championship over the last year.
The Whites head to Deepdale on Tuesday night, having claimed a 1-0 win over Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon. That win took Leeds back up to second place in the Championship table, above Preston.
Whilst Leeds won 1-0 on Saturday, Preston lost by the same scoreline. A last-gasp Matt Miazga goal handed Reading all three points against North End, ending an eight-game unbeaten run.
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Alex Neil has seen his side slip to sixth place in the Championship table, but there’s one good thing; a quick turnaround to the next game to try and make an instant response.
North End lost twice to Leeds last season, failing to score a Championship goal against Bielsa’s men. After a 3-0 defeat at Elland Road, Leeds won 2-0 at Deepdale in April too.
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Preston did give Bielsa his first competitive defeat in England though, dumping them out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 win in August 2018. Tomorrow’s game promises to be a close one, and Bielsa has always been complimentary of North End.
Today, Bielsa has suggested that he likes how Preston play, and North End have been one of the better sides in the division over the last year. Bielsa hailed the whole side, especially the midfield, and admitted it’s not a surprise to see Neil’s men in the top six, because he saw the quality of Preston last season.
“For me, Preston in the last season are one of those who have played better in the Championship.” said Bielsa. “I like their style of play. Their players have good skill to manage the goal, they have a great midfield. It’s a team, behind the midfield and in front of the midfield they have players with a good level, but what is important to me, not a surprise because I saw the same last season,” he added.