Joe Gelhardt makes vow to Leeds fans ahead of new season after what Farke has done in training

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Joe Gelhardt has insisted Leeds United will be ready to hit the ground running once the Championship season starts.

Gelhardt was speaking in an interview with the Yorkshire Evening Post, where he detailed how tough pre-season has been getting to grips with Daniel Farke’s methods.

Farke has been in charge at Elland Road for just over three weeks now with the new Whites boss having had plenty to get his teeth stuck into so far.

The 46-year-old has been looking to implement a new possession-based style of play on the Leeds squad, moving away from the heavy off the ball focus of Jesse Marsch.

With plenty of work still to do in the transfer window, Farke has also looked to take a very hands on approach in terms of new signings, playing a key role in the signing of Ethan Ampadu.

Gelhardt insists Leeds will be ready for new season

Speaking at Leeds’ media day yesterday, Gelhardt spoke of how ‘intense’ pre-season has been so far under Farke, but insists the Whites will be ‘ready’ once the season starts.

“He hasn’t been here long, it’s been intense trying to learn the new system and tactics, so a long of time has been spent on that. It’s been intense. He’s got to teach the whole team a new style of play. It doesn’t just happen overnight. So most of the stuff has been as a team in meetings and stuff, but I know what he wants from each position on the pitch so whatever position I play I know what he wants.

“I think it’s just a different style of football, you know, isn’t it? He’s very possession, basically just having the ball where there’s a few managers who I’ve had in the past who have been maybe more focused on off the ball stuff so it’s a change but I enjoy it.

“I think you’ve seen in our friendlies that we play a certain type of football. He’s been implementing that, there’s been long days of embedding it, learning it and I think we’re getting better at it. We’re going to be ready when the season starts.”

Farke has already moved to ease expectations at Leeds by claiming there could be a rocky start to the season due to the nature of the transfer window, as well as the need to learn his methods.

But it is promising to hear just how intensely Farke has been working behind-the-scenes and Gelhardt is clearly determined to show Leeds will be ready to hit the ground running.

Leeds have already shown signs in both of their pre-season friendlies of what Farke is trying to do, and hopefully that continues to develop ahead of the opener with Cardiff City.