‘Brutal honesty’ driving Leeds United’s comeback under the remarkable Farke, Daniel
SUCCESSFUL modern-day managers have a few relics of the past stashed away.
Which gets us nicely to Daniel Farke. The Leeds United manager is gaining more respect from the club’s supporters with each passing game and press conference, not only at the moment.
Leeds travel to Hull City on Wednesday night in an effort to win their third straight away league game for the first time since the conclusion of their promotion campaign in 2019–20.
Excellent wins against Millwall and Ipswich Town have earned Farke some well-deserved praise lately.
The fans and, more significantly, his players are responding favorably to the German’s grounded demeanor.
Sam Allardyce, one of Farke’s forerunners, made the decision to lessen the burden on his players during his brief tenure as manager.
In contrast, Jesse Marsch consistently saw the silver lining in every circumstance. What about Javi Gracia? Well, nobody really knew.
In contrast, Farke has no interest in psychology. Simple, straightforward honesty, even if it seems “brutal” at times.
Despite the fact that it is still early, his remarks are being heard. Leeds players planning a reaction after being relegated last season left them traumatised.
“It’s quite normal that there’s a bit of a hangover after relegation, and not everyone is there with full confidence and there’s some question marks in the head,” said Farke.
It’s somewhat warranted, especially given the harsh criticism they endured and the fact that they were demoted. It’s crucial to understand that you cannot run and that you must be honest with yourself and accept criticism.
There is only one answer, and it doesn’t involve my approaching them, putting my arm over their shoulders, and telling them everything will be well. The only way to get fit and build confidence is to work hard at it.
“There have been numerous conversations. However, I don’t attempt to engage in any mind games. It’s critical to always be brutally honest, to acknowledge our shortcomings, and to say things like, “Okay, this is where we need to improve.”
“However, it’s also to put them in a position of trust and support because, as we must remember, these are some quite young players. Some are only somewhat older than teenagers by one or two years.
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Having had two arduous road trips, Leeds had two days less to prepare than their counterparts.
City have also not seen their colours lowered in the Championship since the opening day.
On Hull, who have not beaten Leeds in East Yorkshire since December 2012, the former Norwich City manager added: “I think it will be a different game in comparison to Millwall.
“Hull are definitely a different side from the way they play. I rate the work of Liam Rosenior very much and I liked his thoughts about football and man-management in general.
“It’s a really good possession side who ask questions, especially with their quality in possession. Against the ball, I think we have to be unbelievably strong, but then also to make sure our quality with the ball and in possession still shines.
“It’s a tough place and a complicated task, like each and every Championship game.”
Farke says that Patrick Bamford’s return to first-team training is a ‘major boost’ for the club – but confirmed that he will not be involved at Hull.
Bamford is yet to feature this season due to a hamstring injury, but returned to training on Monday.
United are likely to err on the side of caution with the forward this week and he is also unlikely to feature in Saturday’s home match with Watford as he continues to work on his fitness.
Farke expects midfielder Ethan Ampadu to be fit for the Tigers’ trip and to shrug off a knock picked up in Sunday’s fine success at Millwall.
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