Aston Villa boss Dean Smith's admiration for Bielsa’s ‘unique’ transformation

Smith is relishing the latest chance to pit his wits against the Argentine when Villa visit Elland Road this evening, with both teams sitting in the top half of the Premier League.

The hosts are enjoying an impressive first season back in the top flight following a 16-year absence – with Bielsa, who took charge in 2018, having pulled off the turnaround while retaining many of the players who previously struggled to get the club out of the Championship.

Smith said: “I have nothing but admiration for the work Marcelo has done.

“I’m not sure another manager or coach could have made the impact he has made on the players and the club as a whole.

“I’ve seen a lot of those players in the Championship and they weren’t reaching the same kind of physical output numbers they are reaching now.

“That’s great credit to Marcelo Bielsa and his coaching staff and what they’re able to do there. They play in quite a unique way and it’s very good to watch. I’m one of those who has been in full admiration watching them this season.”

Leeds enter the weekend sitting 10th in the table, just a point behind eighth-placed Villa and harbouring hopes of a late challenge for European qualification.

To achieve that they will need to eradicate the inconsistency which has also ensured their season has been among the division’s most entertaining.

Leeds have lost more matches than they have won and though they possess an attack which ranks in the top six, only

Albion have conceded more than the 43 they have let in over the course of 25 matches.

The odds on a draw this evening, meanwhile, promise to be long. Leeds have only drawn two matches all season, the lowest number in the top flight alongside bottom club Sheffield United. Villa’s total of three draws is the third lowest tally.

Asked if that said anything specific about the two teams, Villa boss Smith quipped: “ Yes, don’t bet on a draw this weekend!”