Carabao Cup game against Hull City of utmost importance to Ian Poveda and Leeds United

For the winger, signed from Manchester City back in January, the Elland Road clash against League One opposition could present his first competitive minutes of the season.

For Leeds, it’s a chance to earn their first victory of 2020/21

“It’s really important,” said Poveda.

“Every game is really important. We’re trying to win every game, taking it step by step. We’re focused on each game as it comes, giving the best of our abilities, that’s all we can ask really to be fair. All the lads are focused, ready to go to give our all.

“That’s what we showed against Liverpool. We didn’t get the result, which is unfortunate but we’ll keep pushing and give our max.”

A start for the 20-year-old against Hull is a distinct possibility.

Last season Bielsa used the Carabao Cup as a platform to give fringe players and youngsters some first-team involvement.

The head coach was visibly irked by his side’s second-round exit at the hands of Stoke City last August and will want a longer stay in the competition this time round.

Whoever he chooses to start against the Tigers, a performance akin to the one they put in against Premier League champions Liverpool on Saturday would surely put them in the next round.

And it would help banish some of the feelings that arose after that 4-3 defeat by the Reds.

“The lads were happy with how we performed but we were disappointed with the loss,” said Poveda.

“It was mixed feelings on the team bus. Even though we performed really well the lads didn’t let that overtake the feeling of the result, ultimately that’s important. We played a good game but didn’t get the result. We need to look at why we didn’t and make adjustments.

“[Bielsa] was telling us that we did well but we can’t forget the fact that we lost, we have to keep pushing and make improvements. “He’s always trying to make us better players, we’re just grateful for that.”

Hull in the cup won’t match Saturday’s trip to Anfield when it comes to a sense of occasion but according to Poveda, the identity of the opposition is largely irrelevant and the players are ready to put on another show.

“We’ve always had the mentality of doing our best regardless of the rival,” he said.

“I feel like all the players are focused on the game. There might be changes, there might not. The manager makes the decision, we just have to be ready.”