That was a pretty intense second half. What did you make of it?
And first half! It’s always intense here. We expected periods where the game would become really chaotic and we had to handle that situation. In the first half we had some really, really good moments that we should have played them and scored two or three and we didn’t and we left the game open.
From the first whistle in the second half we started not at the rhythm and not making the right decisions time after time and we put ourselves in big trouble. Even in those situations though I love the resilience, the fight, the character and the courage during the game.
That was an example of winning differently
We made it very difficult for ourselves because we didn’t close the game and in the second half we made too many mistakes and that just gave opportunities and belief to Leeds. In the second half, credit to Leeds they were really, really good, an incredible atmosphere and they deserve credit for that as well.
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What are your thoughts on the late penalty and red card that were overruled?
I think the decision is clear. I haven’t looked back it, but when everybody’s telling me the same thing I think there’s no complaints there.
How’s your heart rate after that one?
It’s always very hectic here. I think it’s not a coincidence winning like this. I think the character that the team shows, the personality it shows, the desire to play. There were players that were really struggling after Thursday night. To go Thursday night in Norway and come to Leeds and win both games the way we’ve done, big credit to the boys and it shows a lot about the team.
Was this one of your toughest games?
It’s always really tough coming here when you see the other results here this season. Extremely happy because we keep winning and you have to be able to win in any context. In Norway it was very different to today, and we found a way to win it.
How do you think the delay at the start affected the players?
I don’t know. If you go to the MLS this is pretty common. We went there for preseason and games can be delayed for four or five hours, because of thunderstorms and then restart play. Here we’re not used to that and we had to adapt to it and give them time to resolve the issue. It was important because VAR really important and if we played the game without it probably it would have been a different game.
Did you say anything to the players when they came back in to refocus them?
100% I think we were all concerned about that because they have certain routines and that disrupts the routine. But again, in a different context, adapt and find a way to win.
That keeps you top of the league. Will you be watching City vs Liverpool later?
I will watch it with some nice dinner in front of me. It was really intense and I need to bring everything a little bit down.
Is that your biggest test this season?
Probably. We expected some very hectic and chaotic moments. The way they play, the atmosphere that is produced in this stadium. Really pleased we managed to handle it, making some good decisions and with a bit of luck, and with some great saves from Aaron, who was outstanding today. Happy to win again.
How good a week has it been for Saka?
Really important goals and today again. That is what we want. Those front players, those young players, that they are consistently winning matches and affecting results and being ruthless in front of goal.
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