Sheffield Wednesday man ready for hostile Leeds United reception

Monk left Elland Road in controversial circumstances after just one season in charge in the spring of 2017. The ex-Swansea City defender resigned after claiming he was unable to "reach an agreement" with owner Andrea Radrizzani.

He went on to join Middlesbrough.

Monk’s exit left a bitter taste in the mouth of some Leeds fans.

Monk, who has also managed Birmingham City, said: “Who knows (what reception from Leeds fans will be)? Probably the normal, a few chants here and there, but that’s fine.

“Everyone knows what I felt for the club, what I did for the club, and worked as hard as I possibly could. My ambition was always to stay there, like you do as a manager, unfortunately it wasn’t the case.”

Monk led the Whites to a seventh-placed finish with a total of 75 points as they narrowly missed out on a play-off place.

“I loved every moment I was there,” insisted Monk. “I enjoyed it, I know what a huge and historic club it is.

“I am proud of my time there. I really enjoyed it.

“But it’s not about me, it’s about the team. You move on.”

Time has moved on and Leeds are currently top of the table under the inspirational leadership of Marcelo Bielsa.

But Monk has yet to lose to the Argentine, winning twice as Birmingham boss last season and drawing earlier on this campaign as Wednesday manager.

Monk said: “With Leeds, out of the whole league, you have to be mindful - or the reason why it can be such a tough game - is they put you into so many defensive actions.

“They man-mark, are very much an aggressive pressing team. That allows them to do is put you into a lot of defensive actions.

“What you have to do is be very good in those actions, otherwise they will cause you a lot of problems.

“I will try and use my experience of playing against that manager’s way of playing, and see if we can come out on top again.”