Rafa Benitez praised the 'great job' Marcelo Bielsa has done so far ahead of Everton’s trip to face Leeds United on Saturday.
The Spaniard oversaw a 3-1 win against Southampton in his first league match as manager but will be wary of the Whites’ desire to bounce back from their defeat at Old Trafford.
The return of 34,000 Leeds supporters will make the task even tougher for the Toffees but their new manager is under no illusions. Speaking in his press conference ahead of the match, Benitez was full of praise for Bielsa and his players.
“Obviously I know him because I had players at Valencia who played for the Argentina national team,” he said. “When I was in Italy, he was there. I know him, I have some friends that know him, and I've seen his team - that's the most important thing.
“His team is very intense. He is someone who analyses the game every day... he is doing well with Leeds so he's doing a great job."
Despite the return of a full house at Elland Road, Benitez was keen to play down the impact of the fans, reminding his players that they have played in front of full stadiums in the past.
He said: “I think some of them have experience and they know the environment. It's part of your job to enjoy that. I'm sure that the players will be happy with that."
The last time the former Liverpool manager was tasked with facing a Leeds side was back in the 2016/17 Championship season as he led Newcastle to the title, securing promotion in the process.
The Magpies were victorious on their visit to Elland Road during that season, winning 2-0 in November to go top of the league.
Benitez will be hoping his Everton side will have the same luck on Saturday as he looks to frustrate Bielsa’s team in front of their own fans.
