Paul Heckingbottom’s Honest Take on Leeds United Ahead of Showdown With Former Club
Paul Heckingbottom is gearing up for a crucial clash against his former side, Leeds United, as manager of Preston North End. This marks only the second time he’s faced Leeds since his brief stint at Elland Road, where he was dismissed after just four months in charge.
Now, with his sights set on overcoming the Championship giants, Heckingbottom has shared his thoughts on Leeds’ journey and performance this season.
Paul Heckingbottom Fires Shot at Leeds United Fixture Advantage Ahead of Deepdale Showdown
Paul Heckingbottom, now managing Preston North End, is set to face Leeds United for the first time since his caretaker stint with Sheffield United in the Premier League, where Leeds claimed a 2-1 victory.
Despite breaking a nine-match winless streak with a midweek victory over Cardiff City, Heckingbottom’s side remains the underdog as they prepare to host second-placed Leeds. Adding fuel to the fire, Heckingbottom has voiced frustration over the scheduling, with Leeds enjoying an extra 24 hours of recovery time ahead of the clash.
“Premier League Quality” – Paul Heckingbottom Delivers His Verdict on Leeds United Ahead of PNE Showdown
Paul Heckingbottom has joined the growing list of managers praising Daniel Farke’s Leeds United this season, calling them a “Premier League-quality side” in his pre-match press conference.
Following similar comments from Michael Carrick earlier this week, Heckingbottom shared his thoughts ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime clash at Deepdale, where his Preston North End team will look to challenge the promotion contenders. Leeds fans, however, remain divided on whether their performances fully match the high praise from opposing bosses.
Heckingbottom Praises Leeds United’s Summer Rebuild Ahead of PNE Clash
Ahead of Preston North End’s clash with Leeds United, Paul Heckingbottom has lauded Daniel Farke’s team for their impressive summer recruitment, despite losing key players.
Heckingbottom was full of praise for the balance of the squad, highlighting the depth and competition within the team, particularly with Farke’s strong bench options. “They are up there and will stay up there,” Heckingbottom stated, acknowledging the tough challenge his side faces at the weekend, but one that should be exciting to embrace.
Heckingbottom Reflects on Facing Leeds United Again: “It’s Always Different”
As Paul Heckingbottom prepares to face his former club Leeds United for the first time in over five years, he admits it feels “different” to take on a team he once managed. While the drastic changes at Elland Road mean there are few familiar faces left, Heckingbottom acknowledges the unique nature of returning to a former club.”
I have just told them ‘no’ when asked for tickets,” Heckingbottom joked, referring to requests from people he once knew at Leeds. “It’s mainly because you get asked different questions, but apart from that, there aren’t many familiar faces anymore.” Despite the sentimental side, he emphasized that once the game kicks off, it will feel just like any other match.