"A lot more" - Joe Rodon makes strong Leeds United declaration ahead of Manchester City test

Joe Rodon has made a strong Leeds United declaration with unfinished business ahead of Saturday evening’s visit of title-chasing Manchester City under the Elland Road lights.

Leeds will face City for the second time this season in Saturday’s 5.30pm kick-off at LS11, three months on from the 3-2 defeat at the Etihad at the end of November.

In falling to defeat at the Etihad, Daniel Farke’s Whites were suffering a fourth consecutive league loss but Rodon says the team’s second half comeback inspired belief and confidence that has led to a fine run since.

Thirteen weeks later, Leeds now sit six points clear of the dropzone having lost just two of their last 16 games in league and cup, Rodon hailing the team for being “really strong” since before Christmas.

Rodon, though, who readily admits Leeds are facing a “brilliant team and manager” on Saturday under Pep Guardiola, has declared there is still “a lot more” that his side want to achieve as they continue to “improve” game by game.

Speaking to Premier League Productions and as quoted by Leeds United’s official website, Rodon said of City: “Of course, they are a brilliant team, a brilliant manager. We knew how difficult it was going to be there.

“Gave us that belief and confidence”

“It was a crazy game. It was back and forth and it gave us that belief and confidence then with, you know, the run of games we had which was very difficult against top teams.

“We have seen how difficult it is for teams coming up and surviving in this league. And I think since before Christmas, we have been really strong.

“We have been on a great run and I think the team is just improving game by game. I think overall it has been a good season but there is a lot more we want to do and keep pushing.

“The first thing I noticed”

“Like I have said, the atmosphere has been unbelievable and that was the first thing I noticed when I came to this club. They are our 12th man and they have been outstanding.

“I think that speaks for itself. We try to make it as difficult as possible and the fans play a big part in that. We want to keep that going, we want to keep that home form going and getting points on the board and achieving our targets.

“I have said it a number of times, I think the moment I came through the doors, you know, everyone involved with the club and the fans have taken me in.

“I have loved every minute of it and the journey especially that we have been on, obviously achieving what we wanted to last year and hopefully achieving our goals this year.”