Guardiola wary of ‘aggressive’ Leeds in City’s Premier League restart

December 28 (Reuters) – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Leeds United would not have been his first choice to open the Premier League season against, and he anticipates a difficult test against the division’s “most aggressive” side later on Wednesday.

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City trail leaders Arsenal by eight points after losing to Brentford in their penultimate league game before the World Cup break. Newcastle United has jumped ahead of Guardiola’s team into second place. A point ahead of City despite having played two more games.

Guardiola stated that his team needed to be focused against Leeds.

“One of the toughest games, I would have preferred another opponent than Leeds in the moment after the World Cup. It’s the most aggressive team in the Premier League,” he added.

“They don’t give you much time to consider. To do it in the circumstances we’re in after our loss to Brentford, you have to be accurate and at a high level.”

With a win on Wednesday, City can trim Arsenal’s advantage to five points. And Guardiola was determined to keep the leaders within striking distance.

“You have to be vigilant and cautious because catching them will be extremely tough if the distance is greater.”