Daniel Farke has told his press conference – as per the club’s YouTube channel – that he is unwilling to get excited by Leeds United teen Archie Gray until he has proven himself at senior level, saying the talent will get “tough love”.
Gray, 17, is in line for a start on Sunday against Cardiff City – his first-ever senior outing for Leeds, and the first of his career. It will be another chapter in the Gray family dynasty; son of Andy, grandson of Frank, great nephew of Eddie.
The England youth international has been ever-present during pre-season. The talented midfielder, described as a “future England star” by Jamie Redknapp, started against Monaco and Hearts, the latter being our last friendly.
Asked about Gray ahead of a first possible outing on Sunday, Farke responded. He said that he is happy with the star’s development but is refusing to get carried away with him, dish out praise. Farke will give Gray tough love.
“I know I’ve got a reputation to bring young players through, but they get tough love from me. I don’t like to praise young lads too early, in our generation I think it is a bit of a problem. He has played a really good pre-season.
“But before he has played a proper amount of games I’m not willing to sing the high praise because I don’t think it is healthy,” Farke said when asked about Leeds talent Gray, during Friday’s pre-Cardiff City press conference.
Daniel Farke unwilling to get excited by Leeds United teen Archie Gray
It is a good sign that Farke is not going to let Gray carried away with any exploits this season. Clearly, Gray is going to have a massive part to play in 2023-24, even if he does not start on Sunday. Ethan Ampadu will certainly start.
Darko Gyabi is in line to feature, while Jamie Shackleton looks as though he will retain a place in the Leeds squad after a loan at Millwall. Though, it is likely Shackleton will be in and out of the side, starting on the Leeds bench.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
