Daniel Farke explains big Leeds United decision vs Brentford with strong message for returning starter
Leeds United face Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium in their latest Premier League clash this afternoon.
Daniel Farke insists Ao Tanaka still has plenty of room to improve during what is the Leeds United midfielder’s first ever season in a top-five European league.
Tanaka returned to the starting line-up for Sunday’s Premier League clash at Brentford, having come off the bench to score an added-time equaliser in last weekend’s 3-3 draw at home to Liverpool. The Japan international also scored a crucial goal in last week’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea.
Having joined Leeds in the Championship from German second-tier side Fortuna Dusseldorf, Tanaka is getting his first taste of top-flight football outside of his native Japan. And while Farke is happy with what’s come so far, he believes there is more to come from the £3m signing.
“He shows right now during this season that he can play on the top level,” Farke told Sky Sports of the midfielder, who replaced Ilia Gruev in the starting XI at Brentford. “It’s a first season for him in a top flight, he has never played in a top league before. Players need time to adapt, sometimes we put a bit too much pressure on their shoulders.
“He’s still adapting to the top level, but he’s improving week by week. Once he's in the spotlight like last week with two decisive goals, I'm happy and there’s more to come.”
Farke also decided to stick with the 3-5-2 formation that brought success last week, with four points taken from Chelsea and Liverpool. The Leeds boss hopes confidence from those results can help his side on the road, having taken just three points from seven away games so far this season.
“So take the confidence, especially from the quality of performance into the game, but it is also a new game, different side, different approach,” Farke added. “We have to be ready again for a battle. We also know Brentford, especially at home, have a crazy home record. We know we have to be on it.
“I want to bring our football on the pitch and at this level, you have to be flexible and adapt sometimes. Sometimes you have to take the strength of the opponents away, as a promoted side you have to be ready to be more flexible. I think it’s one of our strengths that we can react to different scenarios.”