Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa spoke to the media ahead of Sunday’s Sky Bet Championship opener with Stoke City.

The Whites face a tough beginning against Gary Rowett’s side, who are one of the favourites to win promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt, following relegation last season.

Bielsa who will take to the Elland Road dugout for his first competitive fixture, called on his players to express themselves in Sunday’s fixture.

“There is always tension when a competition begins, if there was no tension I would be worried,” said Bielsa.

“The first game is the first challenge where we can show what we can do. 

“I’m pleased with all of the work we have done so far, we will know how well we have done when the competition begins.

“My message to the players is always the same, we have to show our fans we are ambitious.

“Stoke City are a strong rival, but it would be risky to say they are the most important rival before the season because sometimes what we imagine before the season starts doesn’t occur or happen.



“It is very hard to predict this league and I wouldn’t dare to make any prediction.

“We have to prove that the players are better than was shown last season and we will get conclusions once the competition begins.

“I was well received by the fans, of course I feel a big responsibility and I hope I’ll be able to give the Leeds fans the answers they are expecting from me.”