Leeds United boss Daniel Farke reacts to Chris Wilder statement and keeps biggest concern in sight
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Farke’s men were utterly dominant against one of their promotion rivals, taking control after a relatively even start and then never relinquishing their grip. The midfield area, where much of the concern lies given Leeds’ injury issues, was a real source of joy as Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka continually won the ball back and used it smartly. Sheffield United, by comparison, gave it away constantly and failed to cope with the hosts’ intensity. Subscribe to Inside Elland Road, with Graham Smyth for unique, behind-the-scenes Leeds United coverage, expert analysis and exclusive interviews
The breakthrough did not come until the second half, when Rothwell’s 69th-minute corner was hammered home by Pascal Struijk. And with the lead the Whites threatened even more on the counter. Joel Piroe played Mateo Joseph in behind the back line in the final minute of regulation time and he held off the challenge of Sydie Peck to finish the move and the game as a contest.
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Hide AdFarke’s opposite number Chris Wilder suggested after the game that from what he’s seen so far Leeds are head and shoulders above the rest of the teams in the league. Although the Leeds manager welcomed the praise he was far from getting carried away in his post-game analysis and kept the bigger picture in sight.
“Chris is a top manager and a very experienced guy,” said Farke. “If he says this about a side then you can definitely take it as a compliment. I'd rather take this than criticism of our squad but sadly it's not a guarantee we can rest. We are on a good path, we know this, good shape, delivering good performances, rock solid defensively and creating chances. You need a bit of luck with injuries too and so far it's a tricky situation, just one or two injuries away from really big problems to pick a starting line-up. I'm still convinced with a fit Patrick Bamford we would already play on Premier League level. We didn't have him available for the run-in and play-offs. One or two injuries can stop you. We have to be switched on and aware and fully on it. There are really good teams in this league. Watford [Leeds’ next opponents] can more than surprise. “
One way in which Leeds can safeguard themselves from injury-derailment is by adding a free agent in midfield. Farke says Leeds are still trying to find the ideal solution but in the meantime further performances like the one Rothwell and Tanaka delivered would alleviate some of the current concerns.
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Hide Ad“I think it was their best performance,” said Farke. “We need this against a really good side. Joe Rothwell has hardly played 90 minutes in the last two years and right now has to deliver a lot for us. Ao Tanaka is taking his first steps in English football. Right now with them both it's not the perfect blend you dream for so we have to adapt our style slightly, be more careful what passes we play because we don't have players who are outstanding to recover the ball again. Credit to them. We worked with them both a lot individually speaking about what we want, showing scenes where they can improve. This was a game on a really top level. Nevertheless I'm looking forward to having Ilia and Ethan back at some point but today Joe and Ao deserve all the compliments.”
Farke praised the way his side balanced bravery in possession and discipline to control Sheffield United’s counter attacks, but the manner of their first goal was a particular highlight for the German. Prior to the game Leeds were one of six of the country’s 92 league sides who were yet to score from a set-piece.
“Happy days,” said Farke. “Since my first day I am insisting that set-pieces are so important. This run is the first [of its kind] in my career. I wasn't happy last season, how we attacked the ball wasn't great. But I saw this goal coming, three in pre-season, top of the league for xG from set-pieces, it was ‘do me a favour lads and bring the goal over the line’. We need this. Compliments to our guys in the coaching staff working on this. It's exactly what we've executed, this low delivery and thank God Pascal Struijk is back [this season].”
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