Marcelo Bielsa gives reaction as Lee Bowyer heads to Leeds United with gifts for Whites' title triumph

Bowyer's fourth-bottom Addicks will head to Yorkshire knowing a win will guarantee their second tier status but with Leeds heading to the Premier League as Championship champions.

Bowyer spent seven years with Leeds between 1996 and 2003 and the former Whites star will arrive with gifts for both Whites head coach Bielsa and club legend Gray who is a good friend of Bowyer's following his time with the Whites.

Bielsa is also celebrating his 65th birthday today but the Malbec is a present to honour United's promotion and Bowyer says he would have done the same for any other club.

Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast, Bowyer said: "I called yesterday. I know it was his birthday but it was more for congratulations for winning the league.

"That was to give him a gift and was a respectful thing.

"No matter what manager I was going to be playing against and it was going to be the final game and they were champions I think the right thing to do would be give them a gift.

“I did ring up and they said bring him a nice bottle of Malbec. That’s what I’ve done. I’ve bought one for Eddie Gray as well.

“Obviously he’s a good friend and good man who works at the club.”

Assessing the task facing the Addicks against the Whites, Bowyer said: “I feel confident, like every game we go into. I’ve got a bunch that are going to give me everything when they step onto the pitch.

“We are a side that can move the ball well and create chances. We have a bit of everything. Leeds are done now.

“They’ve won the league but like you see at the weekend, they haven’t taken their foot off the pedal and I’m expecting the same tomorrow.

“The manager is very professional and he won’t let them come off it. I know he won’t.

“From what I believe they were in training yesterday. They’ve won the league and they are in training the next day. That’s the way he is. He’s very professional.

“It’s going to be a tough game and they are the best side in the league by a mile so it’s going to be tough.”

Asked what he was expecting from Charlton - and informed about Bowyer's imminent gift - Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa said: "They are a tough team. They fight for every moment they play. I feel gratitude in advance for the congratulations."

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Thank you Laura Collins