Daniel Farke, if he had his time again, would maybe have set Leeds United up a little differently during Saturday’s enthralling 2-2 draw away at Queens Park Rangers.
Because, as Marti Cifuentes’ side stormed into a two goal lead inside half an hour through a Koki Saito stunner and an unmarked Steve Cook header, the travelling Leeds United supporters may have been fearing a repeat of that 4-0 Loftus Park drubbing from back in April 2024.
That Leeds looked like the team most likely to secure all three points following the interval – Morgan Fox’s own goal halved the deficit before Jayden Bogle levelled the scores on the 51st minute – speaks volumes about the resilience Daniel Farke has instilled in this team.
Leeds were 1-0 down against both Sunderland and Sheffield United before going on to win both matches.
They would fall slightly short this time around, however, on an afternoon in which the likes of Brenden Aaronson struggled again. Though Farke feels that the context surrounding an eventual 2-2 scoreline makes the point a good one.
Yet, speaking in his post-match presser, Farke admits that he was left to rue a decision he made early on Saturday morning. By his own admission, the two-time Championship winning coach was tempted to introduce Ilia Gruev into the midfield.
Daniel Farke explains Ilia Gruev decision as Leeds United held at QPR
Farke highlighted Gruev’s importance for Leeds recently. Particularly, in tough away fixtures.
The German would eventually opt for the more creative Joe Rothwell instead, however. Rothwell was ‘excellent’ as Leeds beat Millwall in midweek but struggled to exert the same influence three days later as QPR’s physicality caused major issues from the off.
Who knows whether Leeds would have combatted that with Gruev on the pitch. Farke suspects, though, that they’d have had a much better chance of doing so.
“Today, I was a bit unhappy with myself. I thought until the early hours whether to play Gruev for our defensive side, to show resilience,” Farke sighs.
“I had the green light from the medics that everyone was good to go. I was a bit too greedy and wanted to dominate the game. Once you’re then 2-0 down, then you have to take some risks and not be defensive. So it was a bit too late [for Gruev] to play a role.
If you’re too lazy to move out then they do the give and go and cross. It’s a bit difficult. I’m a bit self critical of myself.”
Farke sees the positives as Leeds fight back at Loftus Road
The omens certainly didn’t look great going into that Queens Park Rangers clash.
QPR had won five of their last six home games against Leeds. What’s more, it’s fair to say the Yorkshire giants do not have a particularly brilliant record in early kick-offs, or in London for that matter.
“As a club, we don’t have the best game here,” Farke admits. “I would never sign a draw before the game but of course, during this period when you play third game in a week, to go 2-0 down and come back… It’s a good point.
“QPR deserved to be in the lead. We were poor in the first 35 minutes. We gave too easy situations away. Reacting too late, not switched on to defend. What was good was the reaction of my team today.
“Today, we showed resilience. Second half, we were totally on it. QPR are always a dangerous side at home, with their counter attacks. A good point on the road.”
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