Huddersfield Town head coach Andre Breitenreiter has acknowledged that Leeds United are the “big favourite” heading into tomorrow’s West Yorkshire derby.
The Terriers take on their rivals at the John Smith’s Stadium in a 12.30pm kick-off on Saturday afternoon, with the hosts tasked with securing victory to give their Championship survival prospects another boost.
Last weekend’s win at Watford leaves Town 19th in the division, on 37 points from 34 matches played, two points above the drop zone with 12 games of the season left to play.
However, tomorrow’s opponents sit second in the table and are chasing a tenth straight league win, as the Whites aim to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
Breitenreiter has recognised that Town are underdogs for tomorrow’s clash, but also expressed confidence that his side can claim victory on derby day.
“We know that Leeds are certainly the favourites for this game,” said the head coach. “They have a team with high quality for sure, we all know about this, but it is a derby, and in derbies everything is possible. With the supporters behind our back, it is possible to win. We want to win, we believe in this, and we prepare everything for a win.
“I don’t know if it’s a surprise when I speak about the favourite role, because Leeds were relegated last season and they have a transfer value of around £200 million, Huddersfield 30 [million]. That doesn’t mean that they win 6-0, but for sure we are David, and we want to bring down Goliath.
“We are professionals and we have really good players with high potential, and we saw it in Watford, they also have a team with more potential and budget, but we were better over the whole time, maybe except ten minutes.
“It’s possible. When you have a clear structure, when you have a good plan, when you have especially the intensity and mentality that we had in Watford, I think it’s also a big chance for us in a home game to win against a big favourite.”
Breitenreiter also acknowledged the significance of the derby to the fans, with Town aiming to end a run of three straight defeats in the fixture, as well as avenge a 4-1 loss at Elland Road in the reverse fixture in October.
“I know that this is a derby which is very important for our supporters, the club, the players, for all the people in Yorkshire,” he said.
“I’ve already experienced big derbies. In Germany, Schalke-Dortmund is one of the biggest derbies ever. I know that you have to keep cool in your head. It’s always a game with many emotions, full of energy, a special atmosphere in the stadium.
“We hope in our home game that our supporters are behind us from minute one to minute 96, that they will help the team over the whole time, and push them to create chances, to score goals, and we need the 12th man on the pitch.
“When I look back to last Saturday in Watford when we scored, and how the atmosphere was with our supporters, it was really great, and this is special for England, I can say as a German.
