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Graham Potter: 'We are fortunate to have Marcelo Bielsa in British football'

Potter: 'We are fortunate to have Bielsa'
© Reuters
Swansea City manager Graham Potter expresses his admiration for Leeds United counterpart Marcelo Bielsa and says that "we are fortunate to have him in British football".

Swansea City manager Graham Potter has heaped praise on opposite number Marcelo Bielsa ahead of his side's midweek meeting with Leeds United.

The two sides have made an unbeaten start to the Championship season ahead of Tuesday evening's blockbuster clash at the Liberty Stadium.

Bielsa's Leeds have looked particularly impressive in brushing aside Stoke City, Derby County and Rotherham United, placing them second in the division and with the best goal difference of any side.

Potter has expressed his admiration for Bielsa and says that he is looking forward to pitting his wits against the highly-regarded Argentine.

"We are fortunate to have him in British football," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "He is hugely influential for so many top coaches. I have admired from a distance for a long time, I have full respect for him and it will be an interesting evening for me but it is Swansea vs. Leeds.

"It's going to be a good game, but he is someone I admire. Of course I am well aware of his career and his methods, which are creative and pioneering. His Athletic Bilbao side were fantastic when they beat Manchester United, there are few as influential as him.

"I hold him very high regard, he is as influential as anybody. It's not about coach v coach it is about players and clubs. I respect every coach in this league, and what they have done. That's one of the reasons I am here. To be in the situation and see how you respond."

Swansea played out a 0-0 draw with Birmingham City in their last match following wins over Sheffield United and Preston North End.

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