PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM: EVERYONE WILL BE UP FOR IT

PAUL HECKINGBOTTOM: EVERYONE WILL BE UP FOR IT

Head coach on Barnsley.

Leeds United head coach Paul Heckingbottom spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s Sky Bet Championship clash with Barnsley at Elland Road.

The Yorkshire derby has added spice this time around, with Barnsley currently occupying the final relegation place two points from safety, along with Heckingbottom’s decision to leave the Tykes to take up the reins at Leeds in February.

Close to 30,000 tickets have been sold for the fixture and Heckingbottom spoke about what he believes will be in store on Saturday.

“I’ve played against Barnsley before and in your career you play against loads of former clubs,” said Heckingbottom.

“I’ve managed against former clubs as well, so it is nothing new for me really.

“We’ve seen in the last two home games, what teams are like when they are scrapping for their lives.

“They throw everything at you and it is the time of the season, where form goes out of the window and league position goes out of the window and it is just a battle.

“We expect nothing less on Saturday, Barnsley have all of their players back and fit now and we are expecting a tough game.

“With the run we have had with injuries and suspensions it has been tough, but you have to guard against the desperation to bring players back in too quickly, because you can do more harm than good.

“Bit by bit players will be drip feeding back into the squad and the sooner we get them all back, the better.

“Saturday is a derby game at home, there will be a real good atmosphere and everyone will be up for it.”

You can see the full press conference with Paul Heckingbottom below:

PRESS CONFERENCE | HECKINGBOTTOM | PRE BARNSLEY

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