Leeds United vs Sunderland: Daniel Farke reveals injury latest and early team news as Ampadu a doubt
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The Whites manager was disappointed but not dejected or downtrodden by last weekend’s defeat at the Coventry Building Society Arena and has rallied his troops in the interim before facing Sunderland tomorrow night.
Farke has won this division twice before and knows what it takes to clinch automatic promotion at the end of a gruelling Championship campaign and the feeling at Elland Road remains that the German is the best man for the job.
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Hide AdLeeds are third in the table having slipped from the top two after the weekend’s results, but remain in touching distance of the automatic promotion places with the order expected to chop-and-change several times before the final game of the season.
Farke welcomed Willy Gnonto, Connor Roberts and Ilia Gruev back into the mix at Coventry, allaying fears that the international trio could be out until Leeds’ trip to Middlesbrough in two weeks’ time. The manager is expected to provide a fresh fitness update today during his press conference which is scheduled to get underway at 1:30pm. Follow all the text updates here.
Daniel Farke pre-match press conference live
Welcome to Thorp Arch
Good afternoon, we’re back up at Leeds’ training ground for Daniel Farke’s pre-match press conference.
Leeds host Sunderland at Elland Road tomorrow evening, hoping to get back to winning ways after defeat at the weekend.
Last Time Out: Sunderland 1-0 Leeds United
12 December 2023, Stadium of Light
78’ Jobe Bellingham - 1-0
Leeds old boys
Sunderland count a number of ex-Leeds players in their ranks, including talisman Jack Clarke who’s recently returned to the first-team setup after a period out injured.
Leo Hjelde made the switch to the North East as recently as January, while Niall Huggins swapped Elland Road for the Stadium of Light in the summer of 2021.
Tough run
It’s been a difficult period for the Black Cats with one win in their last ten. Mick Beale has been and gone since Leeds were beaten 1-0 by Jude Bellingham’s winner four months ago, with Michael Dodds back in interim charge until the end of the season.
The Black Cats were better against Bristol City at the weekend but only recently were beaten comprehensively by a 5-1 scoreline at the hands of struggling Blackburn Rovers.
While we wait for Farke’s press conference, take a look at what the manager had to say following defeat at Coventry.
Ten minutes to go
Not long until Farke is in the hot-seat.
Fingers crossed a clean bill of health post-Coventry.
Farke on Coventry setback
Special feeling because we’re not used to have a day after a loss. Allowed in the first 24 hours to suffer a little bit, to be self critical. I don’t like vanity or to sugarcoat a game when we’re not at our best away at Coventry. Important not to dwell on it and see the bigger picture. If around Christmas when we were 17pts behind Leicester, if someone told me we’re just two points behind and one behind Ipswich, this scenario with five games to go a lot people would’ve said no that’s not realistic. We’ve done a lot to be proud of. In the last 24 hours, we’ve spoken about what we need to improve.
Farke on promotion race pressure
Southampton are still there in the race, it’s more complicated for them but they have quality and are capable to win several games in-a-row. It will be a tight race, also about the individual quality, as well as a team, bit of luck in terms of injuries, then it’s also about the right mentality for these last five games. One thing to get close to the line but then to have the mentality to bring it over the line. This winning mentality is what you need to have and to show. I’m a competitor so I enjoy the crunch time period, never a big fan of friendlies, didn’t like testimonials, I want to play games as a player and manager where it’s important. Really enjoy this time of the season, it comes with lots of work and pressure but it’s quite enjoyable. I like to find the right balance to be really competitive and still have a smile on your face.
Farke on bringing out the best in players
My personal feeling is I’m at my best when the sea is getting rough, you have to show leadership, to be there with a cool head when the fire is burning in the heart. It’s never a game of chess between managers, most important are the players. I’m important to help my players and I know we’ve got a pretty young group, in terms of energy it helps a lot but in experience it can be challenging. Quite similar scenario when I think about my first promotion with Norwich. That I’ve done it twice before is no guarantee we’ll do it again. I believe in my team and my group.
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