Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth has told the Inside Elland Road podcast that Daniel Farke criticised both Leo Hjelde and Charlie Cresswell for moments during Leeds United’s 2-0 loss to Monaco on Saturday in York.
Goals from Wissam Ben-Yedder and Kevin Volland in the second half saw Leeds fall to a second successive defeat in pre-season, after losing to Manchester United in Oslo this month. Cresswell returned, as Hjelde started again.
Junior Firpo remains sidelined, meaning Hjelde continued on the left of defence. He lasted 65 minutes, replaced by Sam Byram while Cresswell played the second half. Both of Monaco’s goals came in the second half of the match.
Smyth has reflected on the loss to Monaco in which there were positives. Speaking on Farke’s demeanour, and his “big presence”, he shared how the German lambasted Hjelde and Cresswell during the Monaco loss last weekend.
“You pick up on little things. Somebody described Daniel Farke as direct. I get the sense that he is, not strict, but he’s got a big presence. He doesn’t suffer fools lightly. We saw that on the touchline against Monaco,” Smyth said.
“He lets the players know. Hjelde got a rollocking, getting involved on the ball instead of letting it go through to the winger. Cresswell went off his feet, got away with one, conceding a corner not a penalty. Farke did not like that.”
Smyth: Farke criticised duo Hjelde and Cresswell during Monaco loss
It is a good thing. Farke is requiring the highest of standards from these Leeds players, even if they are younger members of the team – and it is what is needed. Jesse Marsch seemed a bit nice to the Leeds squad at times.
Farke needs to have an element of that with this young Leeds side, but also a figure that embodies a leader. One that the players must adhere to, or there will be consequences. Hjelde and Cresswell will be key players in 23-24.
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