Daniel Farke staged his pre-Watford press conference on Monday afternoon with Leeds United back in action on Tuesday night and below are five key points from his chat with reporters.
Injury news and Wilfried Gnonto’s shoulder
In very unlike Leeds fashion, Daniel Farke confirmed no new injury concerns ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Watford. Of course, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Max Wober remain out with long-term knee injuries.
There was one doubt, in Wilfried Gnonto. Tony Dorigo spotted Gnonto calling to the physio in the first half on Friday regarding his shoulder, but Farke confirmed that it was just bruised and Gnonto is okay.
He said: “It was a bit painful after the game but it’s already eased up a little bit and he will be available.”
Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka relationship
Rothwell and Tanaka were excellent again in what was only their second start together in midfield, after the 2-2 draw at Sunderland. Rothwell notched an assist, which Farke said was worked on in Leeds training.
Tanaka won man of the match while Rothwell was picked in the Championship TOTW. Farke said on the duo: “They are tidy on the ball with imagination and creativity going forward and also breaking the lines.”
“It differs when you go with a different approach so it needs a bit of time. It’s always consistent working, in the last game they got better and better and long may it continue,” Farke added on the midfield duo.
Joe Rothwell, or David Beckham?
Rothwell has been taking Leeds’ set-pieces and his low corner saw Pascal Struijk end a run of eight months without Leeds scoring from a corner or free-kick. But Farke thinks he can do a whole lot more.
He actually said there is “room for improvement” when it comes to Rothwell’s ability from set-pieces even if he is quickly becoming Leeds’ version of David Beckham, given the looks, the hair and the free-kicks.
Farke said: “Not each and every delivery was spot on I have to say. In terms of set pieces, there’s room for improvement I think. Joe played excellent but there were one or two mistakes where with his deliveries.”
Are Watford play-off contenders?
Tom Cleverley’s Watford suffered a hammering on the weekend, a 3-0 loss to Luton. But they have made a solid start to the season and with Cleverley in charge, Leeds could only muster a 2-2 draw last term.
Farke praised duo Angelo Ogbonna and Moussa Sissoko: “They have a really good blend of some young talents and experienced players. Players like Ogbonna and Sissoko, perhaps not in their absolute prime.
“But they have played at the highest level, they know exactly what is necessary in order to win games. It’s a physical side, especially in the centre of the park, but they have creativity and goal threats up front.”
Young players dealing with the Elland Road atmosphere
Against Sheffield United, Leeds fielded a 10th straight league game without a player over 30 – the first time since 1952-53. Leeds are full of young talent and promising gems that Farke is hoping to nurture.
But he spoke of them coping with the Elland Road atmosphere: “If my young players are sometimes overdoing it, I calm them down. We have a great connection at the moment and hopefully it continues.”
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