Leeds United boss was ‘worried’ as Daniel Farke explains ‘risky’ decision with £11m ace

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Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is not really the sort of coach who makes mistakes without considering the consequences.

But, as his Leeds struggled to a 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on New Years’ Day, the manager’s frustration was at least offset by a few welcome boosts on the fitness front.

Daniel Farke confirmed that Jayden Bogle could be fit for Hull City on Saturday, dismissing initial concerns over a potential long-term absence. Sam Byram’s removal at half-time, meanwhile, was down to tiredness rather than anything more serious.

Furthermore, Leeds United also welcomed Max Wober back for the first time since the 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough three weeks ago.

The Austria international had missed the last three Championship fixtures. And while Farke accepts that handing Wober the entire second-half was a risk – he was chosen to replace Byram at the interval – it was a risk which reaped rewards.

Daniel Farke applauds Max Wober display in Leeds United’s Blackburn draw

“I liked his performance in the second-half,” Farke tells reporters during his Thursday press conference. “He looked sharp, played a role in the build up to the penalty.”

It was Wober’s darting run down the left-hand side and fizzing cross which led to the penalty converted by Pascal Struijk with 88 minutes on the clock. Wober then came closer than anyone in Leeds colours to winning the game in the dying embers of stoppage time, his wicked volley tipped away by Ainsley Pears.

“I was a bit worried. Before the game, perhaps I thought [Wober could play] 20, 30 minutes max,” Farke admits.

“After the first-half, I got the feeling that we cannot afford for Sam to play 20 more minutes because he was exhausted. He complained little that he felt exhausted at half-time.

“Yes, perhaps it was a bit risky to play Max [for] 45 minutes, but he is an experience player and thought he could mange himself a little bit. After he came through it, it is good for him to have another 45 minutes.

“It’s good to have him back.”

Wober likely to stay at Leeds beyond January as Red Bull Salzburg play down rumours

An £11 million signing from Red Bull Salzburg nearly two years ago, Wober arrived at Leeds as a central defender but produced one of his better performances in recent times as an attack-minded left-wing back off the bench against Blackburn.

Presuming Byram needs some time out of the starting XI, and with Bogle facing a race against time to be included against Hull on Saturday, Farke may be tempted to hand Wober his first start in nearly a month on Humberside.

After spending the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany, Wober has been linked with another exit in recent times.

Former employers Red Bull Salzburg have been tipped to bring Max Wober back to his homeland. Though, speaking to Laola1, managing director of sport Rouven Schroder accepts this is unlikely due to the costs involved.

“Wober is one of three centre-backs at Leeds, and they have maximum ambitions to get into the Premier League,” the former RB Leipzig chief said. “It will be difficult to put the money on the table.

“That has nothing to do with the player He’s top. We might have to bake smaller rolls, even make a clever loan transfer.”