Dean Smith says he has ‘total respect’ for opposite number Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United ahead of Friday night’s clash at Villa Park.
The Aston Villa Head Coach is looking to mastermind a fifth straight Premier League win when they take on the newly promoted side.
But Smith admitted it will not be easy against a team who won the Championship last term and are led by a world-renowned coach.
He said: “I’ve got total respect and admiration for him and his team and what they’ve done.
“They came close in his first season and then won the league last season with excellent football. I’ve got nothing but respect for him and his team.
“I sent him a congratulatory message at the end of the season when they got promoted. I’ve played against him three times in the Championship – once with Brentford and twice with Villa.
“All three of them were entertaining and competitive games, and I think that’s what everyone wants to see. He’s improved players at that football club and he’s rightly getting the plaudits for that.”
On their return to the top-flight after a 16-year absence, Leeds have won plaudits for their relentless pressing, high-tempo approach and attacking instincts.
Their philosophy has yielded two wins, one draw and two defeats in their first five league matches, following a 1-0 loss to Wolves on Monday.
“I’ve seen all five of their games so far and they’re very competitive. They’ll win more games than they lose this season – that’s for sure,” said Smith.
“I don’t see them being in a relegation scrap at the end of the season. They’re the fittest team in the league and every team that has played against them so far has actually got their top numbers during that game.
“There’s a certain work ethic there but there’s also a lot of quality there as well.”
