Three days after a 4-1 victory against Hannover 96, Daniel Farke’s Whites faced Bundesliga 2 outfit Schalke at Kümpel + Hellmeister Arena in Rhynern in the second outing of their German training camp. The contest marked United’s penultimate pre-season friendly ahead of the new Championship season which sees Leeds start with the visit of newly-promoted Portsmouth on Saturday, August 10.
Beforehand, the Whites will face Valencia at Elland Road next Saturday afternoon. But all eyes were on the second friendly in Germany against Schalke on Saturday for which the YEP’s chief football writer Graham Smyth was in attendance.
After a goalless first half, Mateo Joseph got on the end of a Jayden Bogle cross to head Leeds in front. The Whites then doubled their advantage through Georginio Rutter as Joel Piroe this time provided the assist with another cross. The goals from Joseph and Piroe sealed a 2-0 victory and here is how chief reporter Smyth rated the players.
19. Joe Gelhardt (sub)
6 - Visibly trying incredibly hard to make something happen. Set himself for a shot that was blocked, tried a dribble that led to him being dispossessed. Worked hard off the ball. Put a lovely ball into the area for Gruev. Photo: Steve Bardens
20. Luca Thomas (sub)
N/A - Shouldered off the ball outside his own box but recovered to show composure and a nice touch. Photo: DANIEL RICHARDSON
21. Sam Chambers (sub)
N/A - Made a great run down the middle that Gruev used as a decoy to find Gelhardt instead. Got on the ball and drove at the defence and almost linked up with Gelhardt in the area. Photo: LUFC
22. Felix Weller (referee)
8 - Refereed it sensibly. Yellow cards were warranted when they came. Had little in the way of controversy to deal with. Allowed physicality for the most part. Photo: Vera Loitzsch