PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM: WE HAVE TO PLAY WITH NO FEAR

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM: WE HAVE TO PLAY WITH NO FEAR

Head coach on Bristol City.

Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom will take charge of his first Whites game at Elland Road on Sunday.

United entertain Bristol City in the Sky Bet Championship, looking to record a double over the Robins, after running out 3-0 winners at Ashton Gate in October.

The Whites will be able to make up ground on Bristol in the table with a victory and Heckingbottom has called on his side to “play with no fear” ahead of the game.

“It is back to normality now and things have settled down,” said Heckingbottom.

“Things were really rushed last week, but I have been really pleased with the players, they have responded well and now it is just a case of pushing and pushing.

“Bristol have done really, really well and I have liked watching them this season.

“They have had their rewards, they have had a great cup run and been a force in this league, especially away from home.

“I know how good a side they are and what they are going to bring, but we have to play with no fear.

“We can’t play into their hands, Bristol can look after the ball, but they can also play quickly on the counter attack if the space is there.

“They are a good side, but so are we and it is about us imposing ourselves on the game and I’m sure it will be a good spectacle on Sunday.”

Heckingbottom also gave an update on the club’s injury situation, with Tyler Roberts this week ruled out long term. 

He said: “Tyler is disappointed and we are obviously.

“He had just shaken off some little niggles with his hamstring, we were going to be using him sparingly and really work with him and condition him, to get ready to compete and show what he can do.

“Unfortunately now he is going to be ruled out for a considerable frame of time, but we will use that as a positive, we have no rush with his conditioning now.

“Kemar Roofe and Ousaim Bouy have both been back in training, so it is just the three who have long term injuries, Tyler, Luke Ayling and Conor Shaughnessy.”

You can see the full interview with Paul Heckingbottom below:

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM | PRE BRISTOL CITY

X