Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has suggested that he is relishing the prospect of facing Leeds United at Elland Road on Saturday evening.
City will be attempting to move to within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal when they make the trip to face Daniel Farke's team at their Yorkshire base.
However, despite Leeds' history in English football, Guardiola has only taken charge of three games at Elland Road.
As such, Guardiola told reporters at a press conference on Friday that he was excited about a return to an “incredible” and “traditional” stadium.
Guardiola talks up Elland Road atmosphere
The Spaniard said: “Elland Road is Elland Road and Daniel made [good] last results. They went to Stamford Bridge [to play Chelsea] and Villa Park [to play Aston Villa] and got results. They have even the boost of the home crowd, but we’re ready for this challenge again.
View inside Elland Road – Photo via IMAGO / Every Second Media
“In 10 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.
“I think there are a lot of Premier League stadiums that are traditional and really good, Elland Road is one of them.”
FFG says: Leeds should be wary of Guardiola record at Elland Road
Guardiola may have talked up the test that awaits his Man City side at Elland Road, but the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss is yet to lose at the ground.
His three previous visits all took place between 2020 and 2023, the three seasons after Leeds ended their long absence from the Premier League.
A 1-1 draw was recorded in a game that was played behind closed doors during the Coronavirus pandemic in October 2020.
However, in the two fixtures that have been played with a strong Elland Road crowd present, Guardiola witnessed Man City run out 4-0 and 3-1 victors respectively.
Furthermore, in Guardiola's last six games against a Leeds outfit, his team has scored at least twice on every occasion and netted 20 goals in total.
