‘We share the same winning mentality’ – Kalas

That’s the message from Tomas Kalas, who is set for his second season in BS3 after turning last year’s loan spell into a permanent switch.

The towering defender is looking forward to kicking off the new campaign at a packed Ashton Gate and says there is no added pressure with the game set to be broadcast live on Sky Sports.

“Does it make the game feel bigger? Yes, it means more people will judge us but for me, nobody is thinking about whether it’s on Sky or not,” Kalas told the official club website. “It’s exciting but it is still a game we want to win and, speaking on behalf of everyone in the team, that’s the same mindset for any game.

He added: “I’ve missed Ashton Gate. It’s a nice stadium and we always have load of fans here so fair play to them. Playing the last game of pre-season here on our pitch was really nice, of course not when we lost but it was experience we have to take on it was a good wake-up call for everyone.

“Now we go into the game on Sunday with ambition but we know what we need to do.

“Everyone is looking forward to it now pre-season is over, the worst part is over, and now everyone can be focused on the games and the excitement which comes with it. We hope there will be excitement come the end of the season but that is far away and we need to take it step by step, game by game.”

City v Leeds United kicks off at 4.30pm this Sunday.

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