Leeds United manager Daniel Farke held a press conference after his team’s 2-0 win against Sheffield United, a crucial result that propelled Leeds to second in the Championship table. The match, played at Elland Road, was a tightly contested affair until Pascal Struijk and Mateo Joseph broke the deadlock in the second half. Farke shared his insights on the game, praised his players’ performances, and provided updates on the team’s fitness as they gear up for the next fixture against Watford.
Patience and Persistence Paid Off
Leeds were relentless in their pursuit of that elusive first goal, a point Farke was quick to highlight.
“Scoring the first goal is crucial,” Farke said, acknowledging how important it was for his side to maintain their dominance. “It felt like it was coming because we were so dominant.” Despite a goalless first half, Farke never doubted his team’s ability to break through Sheffield United’s defenses. The second goal, he emphasized, was the nail in the coffin. “After the second goal, it was done.”
Sheffield United’s tactical adjustments in the second half didn’t go unnoticed. They brought on additional attackers, but Farke praised his team’s defensive structure. “Our shape against the ball was crucial,” he noted, referring to how well his team responded to the Blades’ formation change.
Center-Backs’ Influence
Farke couldn’t have been prouder of his center-backs, pointing out how vital they were to Leeds’ gameplay.
“They are the heart of our motor and send the message from the first pass of an attack,” Farke said, singling out their decision-making as key to the team’s performance. He also credited midfielders Rothwell and Ao Tanaka for their sharp choices with the ball, even though, as Farke admitted, “You cannot be perfect.”
The manager stressed that good performances at the back create the foundation for attacking play, and the center-backs’ distribution helped the team maintain pressure throughout the match.
Set Pieces: The Key to Unlocking Goals
Leeds United’s set pieces have been a focus for Farke since day one, and the fruits of that labor were evident in this game.
“Since the first day, I insisted that set pieces are important,” Farke revealed. Leeds has traditionally struggled with their deliveries in recent times, but Farke was delighted to see that change against Sheffield United. “Compliments to our guys in the staff working on this,” he said, referring to the well-executed corner that led to Struijk’s goal.
The corner, delivered low, was straight out of the training ground. “This was what we executed, what we planned,” Farke said. He was optimistic that this would not be the last set-piece goal his team scores this season.
Looking Ahead: Squad Depth and Injuries
Farke also provided updates on the squad’s fitness and the potential for a new signing.
“We still need one [free agent],” Farke admitted, referring to the upcoming busy schedule and the importance of squad depth. With center-back Max Wöber returning from injury but still lacking match fitness, Farke stressed the need for reinforcements. “If we find a perfect fit, physical player who covers two positions, adds experience, that would be beneficial.”
Farke highlighted the midfield as an area of concern, particularly with players like Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev currently unavailable. Rothwell and Tanaka impressed Farke against Sheffield United, but he was realistic about the physical toll of playing 46 games in the Championship. “Relying on tonight’s two would be too much for 46 games,” he said, hinting that squad rotation will be key as the season progresses.
