Steve Bruce rates Marcelo Bielsa's transformation of Leeds United as the best he's witnessed.
The Newcastle boss faces the Argentine with both clubs looking for their first win of the season on Friday night.
The pair clashed twice during Bielsa's first season in the Championship, Bruce's Sheffield Wednesday side drawing 1-1 in September 2018, with Leeds winning the game at Elland Road by a single goal.
Bielsa turbo charged Leeds on and off the pitch, winning promotion at the second attempt, ending a run of 16 years away from the top flight.
Last season Leeds powered to ninth place including ten away wins with Bielsa's front foot, hard running style proving effective.
Bruce said: “When I took Sheffield Wednesday there a few years ago I witnessed first hand the change in Leeds.
“There was a group of players who had been in and around that league, no disrespect to them, for a long time. And the impact of what the manager has done there... I have not seen an impact like that.
“Of course I have seen big managers walk in to top clubs (and have an impact) like Tuchel, Klopp, Pep at Man City, but I have not seen, at that level, a difference quite like it.
“He is a very, very well regarded manager. His team are now the team you want to watch. They are different to everyone else. So I have nothing but respect for the guy who has gone there and transformed Leeds.
“They are unique and they are different, and the fella in charge, Bielsa, is as good as they get.
“It adds up to a really big night for both teams.”
Newcastle have been working on containing Patrick Bamford and Leeds' swift counter attacking style all week.
They have conceded 12 goals this season in four games, and Bruce said: “Our work this week, is the defensive side. We have to make sure we are better defensively.
“It is getting that balance right which we have spoken about. We showed at Old Trafford that we have a goal threat. We have conceded too many.
“All the work this week, tirelessly, and for the next few week, is to get the balance right,”
Leeds will look to cash in on Callum Wilson's injury absence, along with Jonjo Shelvey. Keeper Freddy Woodman is at risk, with Karl Darlow likely to return.
On Wilson Bruce said: “He is making progress but unfortunately this week he won't make it.”
Asked if he had a call to make on his goalkeeper, Bruce said: “Yes of course. I have to speak to the players involved. It is the hardest part of management. It is my job to make those calls and I will do. It is vitally important when I do that the players know first.
“We are judged on results, we have been close but we need a big performance on Friday and to win the match.”
