Elland Road’s special atmosphere hit Pep Guardiola like a ton of bricks on Saturday as he let slip his special sympathy for Marcelo Bielsa’s former club. Manchester City came away from Elland Road with a 4-0 win and yet the Leeds United supporters grew louder as the match wore on, conceding goals along the way.
The atmosphere was raucous and after experiencing the stadium behind closed doors last season, Guardiola was pleased to finally understand all of the talk he had heard about the ground. The City boss’s connection with Bielsa is widely known. The Argentine is regarded by Guardiola as the best football coach in the world. Even with his departure, the Spaniard wants to see Leeds stay up.
“Since I arrived I heard many times about Elland Road and what it means,” he said. “The previous time we came here, we drew.
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“Marcelo Bielsa was the manager and it was behind the closed doors, so I could not feel it. Today, I feel it and I understand how this place is so special. Not just at the end.
“I always admire the clubs, losing 3-0, 4-0, fighting to stay in the Premier League, singing and chanting and being supportive. I can imagine every time they caught a transition and throws and corners how the people [...] Leeds is one of the greatest teams in this country.
“I have a special sympathy for the fact Marcelo was here and hopefully they can stay. That’s why we spoke with the guys about how tough it will be.”
