Paul Heckingbottom has been speaking ahead of his clash with former club Leeds United as manager of Preston North End.
Heckingbottom will be coming up against Leeds for just the second time since being sacked from his role in the dugout at Elland Road after just four months in charge.
His only other meeting was back when he was in caretaker charge of Sheffield United in the Premier League, which ended in a 2-1 win for Leeds.
Heckingbottom will once again go into this match as the underdog after his PNE side ended a run of nine matches without a win by beating Cardiff City on Wednesday night, while Leeds sit second.
With Leeds also receiving an extra 24 hours of recovery time, Heckingbottom is less than impressed with the scheduling of this match at Deepdale.
Heckingbottom delivers verdict on Leeds ahead of PNE clash
Daniel Farke has got used to opposition managers lavishing his team in praise this season, and Heckingbottom is the latest to have done so.
Michael Carrick labelled Leeds as a ‘Premier League‘ quality side on Tuesday, though many Whites supporters did not agree with the fact he felt his team deserved to take something from the game.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Heckingbottom was asked to deliver his verdict on Leeds ahead of the Saturday lunchtime kick-off.
Heckingbottom was full of praise for the way Leeds have replaced the ‘big talent’ they lost in the summer, and says he has really enjoyed watching them whenever he has had chance this season.
He said: “Yeah, well obviously they lost some big talent, but recruited really well, I have to say that. I really like the balance to the squad they have got. He [Daniel Farke] has got unbelievable options from the bench and that provides natural competition, which is good for them.
“I have enjoyed watching them play, so yeah, they are up there and will stay up there. That is why we know it’s a big challenge at the weekend, but one we should all be looking forward to.”
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke shares new Leeds United injury update ahead of PNE as he hints at two ‘late decisions’
Heckingbottom shares how he feels facing Leeds again
It is now five-and-a-half-years since Heckingbottom was in charge at Leeds and it would be fair to say change has been drastic at Elland Road in that time.
As such, Heckingbottom has acknowledged the fact there are no longer many familiar faces at the club from his time, though did admit it is always slightly ‘different’ coming up against a former team.
He said: “There are a few who wants tickets, yeah. I have just told them ‘no’… It is always a different feeling when it’s one of your former clubs, until the game starts – and then it is no different. It is mainly because you get asked different questions or there might be some familiar faces.
“But, really at Leeds there are not many. One or two of the support staff are still there and one or two at board level, but apart from that there are not many familiar faces.”
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