Daniel Farke has paid tribute to Liam Cooper and Luke Ayling in his latest press conference – as per the Leeds United YouTube channel – as they continue to be left out of Daniel Farke’s starting line-up.
Ayling and Cooper were both late substitutes on Saturday as Leeds came from behind to beat Norwich. Ayling lost his place to Archie Gray and with Djed Spence returning from injury, he is firmly on the bench.
Cooper, meanwhile, has suffered in terms of game time largely due to an injury he picked up when he scored against Cardiff in the first game. Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon have formed a super partnership.
Farke was asked about Cooper and Ayling in Tuesday’s presser, as Leeds prepare to go to Stoke on Wednesday night. He was full of praise for both, claiming many would struggle to accept their position.
“They are outstanding. Luke has played a lot. Liam started the first game, sacrificed his body to score. Now, he has to accept he is just a sub in the 90th minute. Big personalities expect to play,” Farke said.
“It can be a problem. How they have handled it, they know I value them. They are not 25 anymore, this league is relentless. Not easy to accept, quite difficult. But they are outstanding. They give everything.”
Farke paid tribute to Leeds stars Cooper and Ayling on Tuesday
While Cooper and Ayling could, deep down, feel hard done by that they have fallen out of the side – it is firstly, the right decision by Farke. Gray and Struijk have been superb for Leeds, in their positions.
But also, the attitude shown by Ayling and Cooper is second to none. Just look at Ayling’s celebration for the winner, enjoying it with the players that have played – as if he had just scored the goal himself.
On Wednesday night, the chances are that Ayling and Cooper will be on the bench again – but they will be ready as anyone else. Having them in the dressing room is just as important as their on-field impact.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
