Daniel Farke tells Leeds United squad exactly what to expect from Newcastle amid Eddie Howe tribute
Leeds United welcome the Magpies to Elland Road for a Premier League clash under the lights on Monday.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke expects to come up against a ‘very dangerous’ counter-attacking side when Newcastle United come to Elland Road.
The Whites return to home turf and the Premier League on Monday night following their bruising 6-3 Carabao Cup defeat at Chelsea on Wednesday. Farke’s side remain unbeaten in the top-flight, beating Nottingham Forest before hard-earned draws against Brentford and at Brighton.
While Leeds are a picture of continuity, visitors Newcastle are moving on from a defining era under Eddie Howe, with key players like Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon also leaving. But new boss Matthias Jaissle has overseen a promising start, also taking five points from nine on offer.
“A good and bright start,” Farke said of his opposite number Jaissle. “I haven’t met him yet, never before, so that will be also for me the first time.
“But what I can say is, first of all, that I still appreciate so much what Eddie Howe has done. I think he has left a legacy over there and done a tremendous job over so many years, it's never easy for a new manager to then follow his footpath.
“But the early signs are good. If you watch his games and how he interacts with his team, it seems like they've already created a strong bond. It feels like, especially the key players, are in good spirits just by analysing the games or the scenes after games.”
A previous head coach of Red Bull Salzburg, Jaissle comes from a similar coaching school as former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch. Newcastle’s games so far have been fast-paced and frenetic, two of which have ended 2-2 while a Carabao Cup win over West Brom was won 3-2.
What Newcastle do have is blistering pace upfront, with Anthony Elanga one of the Premier League’s fastest players and £51million summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo arguably even faster. Farke knows his side will have to be switched on at all times, especially when in possession.
“They're definitely difficult to beat,” the Leeds boss added. “They are very dangerous, especially out of counter attacks, and of course have high quality players as well.
“So yeah, it would be a difficult task, but we have a few days right now also to prepare, and we want to be prepared in the manner that we are top on it, and yeah, try to win there as many points as possible.”