BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope considers Pep Guardiola’s comments about giving Manchester City players some time off to drink and relax before returning to training in preparation for the Leeds game.
“Obviously he’s trying to get ahead of Mikel Arteta,” Pope told Don’t Go to Bed on the podcast.
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“How do you gain an advantage over the people you work closely with?
“Arsenal responded to a lot of criticism at Tottenham. Now it’s Manchester City against Leeds.
“Someone messaged me and said ‘if Leeds play well they have a chance of getting a point’.
“The Premier League has proven one thing this season, no one is indestructible.
“Leeds have surprised everyone and now it doesn’t surprise people with what they’ve achieved. It’s going to be a tough ask for Manchester City.
“Leeds won’t lie down and they won’t let anyone really press them at all, except for the Arsenal game.
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“The way Leeds are talked about in the league now, it’s not just about what a brave team they are, but how good their squad is.”
Kaizer Chiefs bassist Simon Rix has raised the possibility of a poisoned chalice if the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Jayden Bogle, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Joe Rodon impress enough this season that big bids are made for their services.
Pope responded: “If your players are doing well and they’re talked about and they’re popular, then that’s where you want to be.
“But Leeds are going to be a club you want to stay at. Not just relegation fodder. I know it takes you two years to get used to the Premier League but it feels like it’s increasingly becoming a destination as a club rather than just a place to play Premier League football.
“Yes, there will be offers but I think Leeds will hold on.”
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[BBC]