GARY O’Neil revealed he was “surprised” by upcoming opponents Leeds United’s league position, believing Cherries’ trip to Yorkshire will be a “tough test”. Previewing the contest,
Gary O’Neil shared: “I’ve looked – I’m really surprised they are where they are in the league. They come up really well on all the sort of numbers and stats, of chances created and that big energy press, (they press) really aggressively. Probably the highest pressing team in the league, so they have a real clear identity and a massive result at Anfield for them in the last game. So it’ll be a big test going to Elland Road. It’s always a tough place to go, especially the way they play at the moment. So front foot and so aggressive. It’ll be a good test for us.”
Legendary Argentinian Marcelo Bielsa first installed an identity of fast-paced and intense pressing, a trend that has continued under his successor Marsch. O’Neil then went on to share his belief that Leeds were unlucky not to win prior to victory against Liverpool.
Gary O Neil restarted: “What I’ve seen of Leeds, they press really high. They want to win the ball back high up the pitch. They’ve real pace in their team, especially on transition, so when they do win the ball back, they’re a big threat. And, I mean, those games, they were unlucky not to win, in my opinion. They performed well in all of those.”
