Farke finally has Leeds United problem he wanted after goalkeeper farce despite Hull frustration
Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media ahead of Leeds United’s clash with Millwall at The Den on Sunday and addressed the selection headaches he has after a productive end to the transfer window and fortnight in the treatment room
Disappointing Leeds United’s players comes with the territory for Daniel Farke, though he would much rather see upset faces than a bench with two vacancies and two goalkeepers. When the Whites travel to Millwall on Sunday, they visit the capital with arguably the strongest squad of Farke’s tenure and a number of difficult selection decisions.
While there have been the lows of undermanned benches with multiple goalkeepers against Birmingham City and West Bromwich Albion, Farke does not feel this is the first time he has had selection headaches. The Den kick starts three matches in six days for United, which should provide opportunities for most of Farke’s squad.
“I prefer the situation (competition for places) much more instead of having situations where I have a headache [about] how to fill the bench,” he said. “[There was the] situation [of] three goalkeepers with us and we’re still not able to fill the bench.
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“I prefer this situation much more. Sometimes, of course, it’s the most difficult part of your job to disappoint players when they’re not allowed to play in the starting lineup and, let’s be honest, each and every player wants to play each and every second, but we also have to keep in mind we have three games within six days.”
Karl Darlow continues to pressure Illan Meslier, while Djed Spence, assuming he’s fit, is all over Luke Ayling at right-back. Sam Byram’s return will push Jamie Shackleton, who has been very dependable at left-back.
Liam Cooper could be back to join Charlie Cresswell in pushing the starting centre-backs, while Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev might finally give Ethan Ampadu or Archie Gray some time off in the middle. Farke’s front four might give him the hardest decisions to make.
Joel Piroe, Crysencio Summerville, Jaidon Anthony, Daniel James, Georginio Rutter, Ian Poveda, Wilfried Gnonto, Joe Gelhardt and Mateo Joseph all have ambitions to fill only four slots in the team. In a major turn of events since that West Brom game, Farke could be leaving out quality options on Sunday altogether.
Leeds United and adidas have joined forces once again for the home kit that Leeds will wear for the 2023/24 season. A timeless white shirt, the adidas stripes feature the classic royal blue and yellow that shows the origins and history of the club. This shirt is uniquely Leeds.
The limited recovery time between games may take matters out of Farke’s hands anyway. While Hull City play tonight, five days before their clash with Leeds, the Whites have only three days to reset after Millwall.
“It’s strange from the setup, our next opponent on Wednesday, Hull, plays already today, Friday, a home game, then next home game on Wednesday,” said Farke. “We have [a] Sunday away game, Wednesday away game, but, again, I spoke about not feeling sorry for ourselves and then for that I don’t complain about this.
“It doesn’t affect the Millwall game. I just concentrate, at the moment, on Millwall and yes, we want to be successful and we have good players and I’m confident also with this group.
“Yes, there was also not too much time with the whole group together after this international break, but I’m sure, right now, the longer we will stay together and the more time we have also on the training pitch and we work together.
“It’s just about finding the right setup, the right balance, the right rhythm. And I’m confident this group will also win many points for us.”
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