Leeds United defender Jaka Bijol is fully focused and excited ahead of his first-ever clash against Manchester United at a packed Elland Road.
The Slovenia international has been in strong form this season and believes he is ready for the intensity that comes with one of English football’s fiercest rivalries.
Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off will see the return of the famous War of the Roses fixture, with Leeds fans expected to create a huge atmosphere inside Elland Road.
For Bijol, it is a moment he has been waiting for since joining the club.
Leeds United supporters know exactly what this game means, and the defender admits he can already feel the buzz building around the city.
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Confidence High After Liverpool Display
Leeds head into the match full of belief after earning an impressive point away at Liverpool on New Year’s Day.
The back line was outstanding at Anfield, with Bijol playing a key role in keeping the champions quiet.
That result extended Leeds’ unbeaten run in the top flight, and the defender feels the performance showed how much the team is improving week by week.
He believes the same energy and focus must now be taken into the Manchester United game.
Facing Manchester United brings a different kind of pressure, but Bijol insists Leeds must stick to what has been working for them.
He says the team cannot change their mindset just because of the badge on the opponent’s shirt.
Big Games Do Not Scare Him
Bijol may be new to English football rivalries, but he is no stranger to high-pressure matches.
Before arriving at Leeds, he played in intense derby games in Russia and Italy, where football can be just as physical and emotional.
He previously featured in fierce Moscow derbies between CSKA Moscow and Spartak Moscow, games known for their passion and hostile atmospheres.
While he admits the Leeds vs Manchester United rivalry is on another level, those past experiences have helped prepare him mentally.
The defender also spent time playing in Serie A with Udinese, where tactical discipline and defensive focus are vital.
Those lessons are now paying off in the Premier League.
Elland Road Set for Electric Afternoon
There is no doubt that Elland Road will be rocking on Sunday.
Leeds fans are famous for creating one of the loudest atmospheres in the country, especially when Manchester United are in town.
Bijol has spoken about how much he is looking forward to playing in front of a full stadium.
He believes the crowd can give Leeds a huge push, especially in tight moments during the game.
He says the players have already spoken in the dressing room about bringing the same fight, energy, and togetherness they showed at Anfield.
The message is clear: Leeds want to perform, not just compete.
Elland Road could play a massive role, and Bijol knows that putting in a strong performance there can quickly turn him into a fan favourite.
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Focus on Improvement, Not the Hype
Despite the excitement, Bijol remains grounded. He insists the team must focus on recovery, preparation, and performance rather than getting carried away by the occasion.
Manchester United have had extra time to prepare for the match, and Leeds know they must be sharp from the first minute.
Bijol believes that if Leeds concentrate on their own game and continue improving, the result will take care of itself.
Representing Slovenia has also helped Bijol mature as a player. International football has taught him how to stay calm under pressure, something he hopes to show against United.
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A Defining Moment for Bijol
Sunday could be a big moment in Bijol’s Leeds United career.
A strong showing in such a high-profile fixture would further underline his importance to the team and his growing influence in the Premier League.
For Leeds fans, this match is about pride, history, and belief.
For Bijol, it is a chance to show he belongs in the biggest games, and he looks more than ready for the challenge.
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