West Bromwich Albion boss Slaven Bilic has claimed it is a privilege to compete with Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa and that it is great to have him in the Championship, which has been well received by fans of the Yorkshire club.

Leeds and West Brom have been the two outstanding sides in the second flight of English football this season and currently sit level on points in first and second–with a nine-point gap on the side in third.

The two high-flyers met at the Hawthorns for a top-of-the-table clash on New Year's Day in a hard-fought tie that ended 1-1.

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Semi Ajayi put the Baggies ahead in just the second minute but played a part in Leeds' equaliser as Patrick Bamford's second-half header deflected off him and into the back of Sam Johnstone's net.

The respect between the two managers was clear from their embrace at full time and, speaking after the game, Bilic heaped praise on Bielsa.

Leeds were caught up in some controversial incidents with opposition teams last season, such as Spygate and 'that goal' against Aston Villa, but it appears there is a lot of respect between Bielsa and his main promotion rival.

That respect seems to have been well received by Whites supporters, who took to Twitter to comment on Bilic's comments.

Read the reaction of Leeds fans here: