Even at his lowest moments, Daniel Farke was there to build the reported Leeds United transfer target up again.
An idealist who is always reluctant to go against his principles – for better or for worse – even a 4-0 thumping back in February 2023 was not enough for the German to tear up his blueprint and start again from the ground up.
On one of the darkest afternoons of his Bundesliga career, Daniel Farke’s message to a humiliated Nico Elvedi was to dust himself off, puff out his chest, and go again.
According to reports, Leeds United hope to reunite Farke with the Borussia Monchengladbach stopper. German publication Sport BILD say that the Elland Road chief is aiming for a January transfer.
A central defender appears to be the priority during the winter window, with Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Max Wober the only senior, natural centre-halves at Leeds’ disposal.
Nottingham Forest misfit Andrew Obomodele has been linked with Leeds too. A player who worked with Farke at Norwich City.
As for Elvedi, he is player Farke also knows very well. The former Carrow Road boss worked with the Switzerland international during his brief spell in the Gladbach dugout during the 2022/23 season. Elvedi started 32 of 34 Bundesliga matches that campaign, and seldom was Farke’s admiration more evident than when Mainz ran riot at the MEWA Arena.
An afternoon in which he threw his body in the way of all the bullets flying in Elvedi’s direction.
Daniel Farke is a huge fan of Leeds United linked Nico Elvedi
It was Elvedi who was caught in possession inside his own half in the build up to Mainz’s opener. But, rather than admonish the long-serving Gladbach ace, Farke instead sought to encourage his ball-playing tendencies.
Tendencies he honed under Farke – barring that miserable February evening in the Rhineland-Palatinate – and tendencies would bring to Elland Road if Leeds trigger the reported £8 million release clause in his contract.
“Nico Elvedi is an absolute leader for us,” Farke told the Rheinische Post, not only defending the now-28-year-old defender but also putting him alongside the finest centre-halves European football has to offer.
“When he is at his best, he is one of the best central defenders in Europe. He has proven that over the years.
“You have to be honest and self-critical and say that he has not been at his best in one or two games. There is no hiding behind it. It is clear and obvious. When you make a mistake as a central defender and it is punished.
“[But] I wanted him to continue to play with his [usual style].”
Elvedi was ‘excited’ to work with Farke at Borussia Monchengladbach
Now, winter transfers always carry a degree of risk. There are always concerns over how quickly a player will adapt, particularly one arriving to England for the very first time in the middle of a campaign and without a pre-season to prepare himself.
Though should the Zurich-born Elvedi find himself relocating to West Yorkshire, his pre-existing knowledge of Farke’s demands should make that period of adaptation a little easier.
First impressions count, though. And performances like that one against Mainz nearly two years ago is the sort of thing Elvedi must avoid if he is to win over an expectant Leeds United fanbase from day one.
“My first impression of the coach is good,” Elvedi told reporters following Farke’s appointment at Borussia Monchengladbach. “I heard from my teammates that the training sessions are supposed to be very tough, and I experienced it for the first time this morning.
“But that’s good too. Training is supposed to be tough, because it’s important that we’re fit for the season and can give it our all for 90 minutes.”
“I’m in good spirits. [Farke] spoke to the players, explained what he wants and what his game idea is and it sounded very good. I’m excited.”
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