Luke Ayling has told BBC Radio Leeds that Daniel Farke is imposing a style of play on the Leeds United squad behind the scenes that will delight fans – ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, starting against Cardiff on August 6.
Leeds fans have been forced to watch the club slip from ninth in the Premier League to relegation, loss after loss, over the last two years. Going from the glorious tenure of Marcelo Bielsa, to Sam Allardyce for four games last term.
Relegation has seen Leeds reset. A new ownership, a new manager, and what will be largely, a new-look side. A new era. Leeds have plenty to do this summer, but many changes have already been made – Farke the orchestrator.
Already from two friendlies, it is clear that Leeds are going to play with one anchoring midfielder. A focus on keeping the ball, playing out from the back but also playing defensively solid. Inverted full-backs, too. Ayling is excited.
“It’s been good, nice and hard. Got some good work done. We’ve had to learn a whole new style of play which has been good, the fans are going to be happy with the way he wants us to play. A good three weeks,” Ayling said.
“Us players have been around enough styles to slot back in, it takes a bit of time but it showed against Monaco – the fans that were there could see the style that was coming in,” the Leeds defender continued, on BBC Radio Leeds.
Ayling: Farke style will delight Leeds fans ahead of 2023-24 campaign
It is exciting to see what Farke is doing. The patterns of play against Monaco, especially in the first half, were really encouraging. Inverted full-backs, the movement in the final third, the use of Ampadu – Leeds look more modern.
If Leeds can get Karl Darlow in and maybe one or two signings over the line before the opener on August 6, then the Whites are set to make a decent start to the campaign. But there is likely to be plenty of work left to do this window.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
