Daniel Farke was visibly emotional on the Elland Road pitch at full-time as he stayed back towards the centre circle and watched his Leeds United players take the acclaim of fans.
The German gaffer has been under enormous pressure with reports claiming a defeat against Chelsea would have potentially seen him sacked. Paraag Marathe was in attendance last night at Elland Road.
What a win! Who was your Man of the Match? 🔥
Yet, Farke tactically outsmarted Enzo Maresca and his 3-5-2 system worked to perfection against Chelsea on Wednesday night. Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all scored for Leeds last night.
The pressure has been relieved on Farke for now, with Leeds back to a point a game after 14 matches. After a good win, Farke is often much more relaxed in press conferences, and last night was no different.
Daniel Farke explains why he was ‘furious’ with Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka, meanwhile, is being tasked with a slightly new role in this 3-5-2 system. The Japan star is playing almost as a no.10 in front of Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach, and he was excellent last night.
But before his stunning goal, Tanaka had missed a couple of chances. Fluffing a left-footed shot and failing to find a couple of teammates in good positions. Farke said he was “furious” with Tanaka.
Comments you can’t imagine Farke would have made in front of reporters, had Leeds failed to get a result. The Leeds boss told TalkSPORT that he wasn’t impressed with Tanaka in the final third, initially.
Re-live Ao Tanaka’s rocket against Chelsea 🚀
“Even before [Tanaka’s goal], he was there with three or four situations close to the box he was not there with a good decision. I was actually a bit furious, but he calmed me down with this excellent strike.”
Ao Tanaka’s stats show he did a bit of everything last night
If there was any doubt about Tanaka’s capability at this level, he brushed those aside last night. Going into the season, there were concerns of those at Leeds that Tanaka lacked the physicality for the top flight.
Tanaka himself has been harsh on himself, according to Stuart Dallas. But his stats against Chelsea proved that he is having an impact both defensively and in the final third, even aside from his gorgeous goal.
Brilliant Ao Tanaka stats in Leeds win v Chelsea 😃
A bit of everything from Ao Tanaka:
- 67 minutes played, 1 goal, 7.7 FotMob rating (fifth-best on pitch)
- Three defensive contributions, 0.25 XG+XA
- 30 touches, 14/20 successful passes (70%)
- One interception, two recoveries
Tanaka is one of the first names on the team sheet now, especially with Sean Longstaff injured. Liverpool next for Leeds, a game that the Whites will feel they can get a result in given Liverpool’s dismal form.
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