Daniel Farke - Press Conference prior West Ham.

[SG90]

Very worrying that Ampadu and Gruev are ahead of Cresswell in the pecking order. Why can't we use square pegs in square holes?

[Cjay]

Don’t know if it came across on the streams today, but Rooney was getting some right old stick, some very inventive chants too.

Yes it did

Wayne Rooney he shagged your gran was one wasn't it?

[Barlow Boy]

Yes it did

Wayne Rooney he shagged your gran was one wasn't it?

There were several, most way too offensive for some eyes on here, but a couple did make me smile slightly.

I actually felt sorry for him at one point, as it was relentless.

[andrewjohnsmith]

I find it strange that he keeps saying it's important for Rutter not to embarrass opponents. For me, he should be telling the press how well he's playing. If there's something he doesn't like, it should be a private conversation.

[andrewjohnsmith]

Very worrying that Ampadu and Gruev are ahead of Cresswell in the pecking order. Why can't we use square pegs in square holes?

That's not what he was saying. If another CB gets injured, Cresswell starts. But when it comes to the bench he wants to have flexibility. He's said before that it's very rare that CB's get injured during the game. So having two defenders on the bench is enough. Having more attacking players on the bench gives more options.

[whiteswan]

I find it strange that he keeps saying it's important for Rutter not to embarrass opponents. For me, he should be telling the press how well he's playing. If there's something he doesn't like, it should be a private conversation.

I thought it was more about not inviting unnecessary nasty tackles andrew

[whiteswan]

That's not what he was saying. If another CB gets injured, Cresswell starts. But when it comes to the bench he wants to have flexibility. He's said before that it's very rare that CB's get injured during the game. So having two defenders on the bench is enough. Having more attacking players on the bench gives more options.

That's how I read it as well....

[Cjay]

There were several, most way too offensive for some eyes on here, but a couple did make me smile slightly.

I actually felt sorry for him at one point, as it was relentless.

He looks bemused.

It must be weird for him.

He was a talented kid, talented player, but clueless as a manager.

For someone whose been naturally gifted his whole career not just being a natural must be odd

[andrewjohnsmith]

He looks bemused.

It must be weird for him.

He was a talented kid, talented player, but clueless as a manager.

For someone whose been naturally gifted his whole career not just being a natural must be odd

It's laughable how many chairmen/DOF's think great players will make great managers.

I'm not a Rooney hater because I've always been an England fan as well as a Leeds fan. Really admired Rooney over his playing years. Loved watching Lampard and Gerrard too. But they've all had more failures than successes as managers

It's also rare that the most gifted, flair players make good managers. Zidane is probably the exception. Usually it's the midfielders and and defenders who have spent their whole lives watching games from a different perspective. And usually it's the less talented players who had to work so much harder to get there than the naturally gifted.

[Cjay]

It's laughable how many chairmen/DOF's think great players will make great managers.

I'm not a Rooney hater because I've always been an England fan as well as a Leeds fan. Really admired Rooney over his playing years. Loved watching Lampard and Gerrard too. But they've all had more failures than successes as managers

It's also rare that the most gifted, flair players make good managers. Zidane is probably the exception. Usually it's the midfielders and and defenders who have spent their whole lives watching games from a different perspective. And usually it's the less talented players who had to work so much harder to get there than the naturally gifted.

I wonder if part of it is they expect the players to be able to do what they could?

Pep was a decent player in his day then he took over Barcelona full of brilliant players.

Zidane was elite in his day and then managed Real Madrid.

So they had players who could do what they did?

But someone like Vieira a top player asking Will Hughes at Palace to do this and that that seem easy to Vieira because he could but Hughes can't may be the issue?

Elite players who played with elite players now finding themselves coaching the mediocre and not able to understand that mentally sort of thing?

[Orange Box]

That's not what he was saying. If another CB gets injured, Cresswell starts. But when it comes to the bench he wants to have flexibility. He's said before that it's very rare that CB's get injured during the game. So having two defenders on the bench is enough. Having more attacking players on the bench gives more options.

The blue side of Glasgow is buzzing with reports of CC loaning out to them. I can see their point. They see it as a step up for him (I don’t) and if he does well they can offer Europe and get him on the cheap. Plus he’s virtually guaranteed a start at Ibrox.

If he wants to play, and which footballer wouldn’t, Rangers is a good option, because Leeds sure as hell won’t lend him to a competitor.

It’s an interesting dilemma for the lad.

[Kennyb41]

Daniel Farke was appointed on 4th July by the San Francisco 49ers. A day of their own independence, if you like, proclaiming a new president at the helm of a footballing domain they were soon to control outright. The new incumbent may not have been met with parades, fireworks and barbecues but there was a steady nod of approval by the people who knew his track record spoke for itself and required little campaigning to win their vote.

Farke has an engaging charm and is a natural leader. He possesses a dry wit and a clever phrase which softens the tungsten tipped edge of his iron will which has successfully drilled through the Championship twice before. He has a practical realism as to what is required to return United to be among the Premier League's super powers. He has the emotional intelligence to understand the context within which he works. He gets it. Owners, supporters and players like him, even if a few dissenting voices can be heard after back to back league defeats for the first time this season.

He copes with pressure well; for he has had to from the off. As the summer was largely spent spilling players out of the club through sieves of contracts, he did not know who would be at training never mind available for matchday. But within three months, and a full takeover by the 49ers Enterprises, the Eagle began to soar. A winning mentality infused a squad whose experience of losing had become endemic. Farke's policies, especially on the home front, were effective and caught the eye. Accolades and awards were eschewed although he knew that a team including Sam Byram, Joel Piroe, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon were delivering his manifesto of garnering two points per game.

So, with all factors considered so early in his tenure, a points tally of 45 points after round 25 of the contest is no mean feat if a little shy of the target. A nine point gap to Ipswich Town in second may appear daunting in the dawn's early light but a year ago Burnley, who charged to a total of 101 as champions, were on 53 at the same stage and eventual runners up Sheffield United had 50. Luton Town, who were to win the play-off final had racked up just 39. The 49ers may not be waving a triumphant Star Spangled Banner over Elland Road just yet, but this battle is far from over.

[Kennyb41]

When Leeds fell meekly to West Bromwich Albion in their final fixture of 2023, it was clear Daniel Farke's formula had to change. A failure to unlock opponents' low blocks highlighted the need for a creative number 10.

Farke's solution against Birmingham City at Elland Road in the first fixture of 2024 was to play Georginio Rutter at 10 - something fans had been calling for since the start of the season.

The question of whether Rutter would play at 10 instead of nine had been asked so frequently that by the pre-Bristol City news conference in October, Farke requested he no longer be asked about it.

"When it comes to strikers, I know my business," he said at the time.

But Rutter never looked natural at centre forward and when he moved to midfield on Monday, the results were instant. Georginio exploited the space between defence and midfield in ways that Joel Piroe is not suited to.

Farke's successful shuffling of the deck also looks to have rejuvenated the attack and Leeds look a far more potent threat with Rutter free to pull the strings. Deep defensive lines have haunted Leeds this season, they will hope Rutter at 10 is the solution.

[Kennyb41]

The points-per-game trend is almost at the two desired by manager Daniel Farke - 1.85 to be precise - after 26 rounds of the Championship.

Leeds United have won more than half their matches, thanks mainly to being an unshakeable force on home soil. It is also because of some important combinations which have evolved.

Of the 14 league wins, Sam Byram, Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk have started in the back four in front of goalkeeper Illan Meslier in 10 of them.

Byram has been remarkable at left-back. His performances have been consistently of a high standard either side of the halfway line, as he knits well together with top scorer Crysencio Summerville while proving an adept defender.

He has kept the likes of more natural left-sided players like Junior Firpo and Leo Hjelde out of the side. Jamie Shackleton and Djed Spence have also been used there, though it's an unnatural position for them. Bearing in mind each of those players have had injuries this season, when available, Byram is comfortably the best option.

Therein lies the issue. Availability rather than alternatives means United do not have a reliable fit at left-back.

Firpo showed his attacking prowess when providing two assists in the comfortable win over a wretched Birmingham City after replacing Byram, whose hamstring issues had flared up again. But in his own half there remain questions.

The demand for a bespoke left-back has been the refrain of many at Elland Road for some seasons now, but if Farke does dip into the market then it will take a special purchase to outshine Byram.

Rodon and Struijk have been imperious in the heart of the defence too. Club captain Liam Cooper has been limited to seven starts, although it's an absence enforced by injury. However, few can argue against the Rodon-Struijk centre-back pairing being Farke's preferred choice. It has been as solid a combination as anywhere.

While Cooper has had his moments, the same cannot be said for Charlie Cresswell.

Since signing a new four-year deal in August, the talented 21-year-old has had one Championship start. After spending last season successfully on loan at Millwall, it was hoped this could be the breakthrough Leeds campaign for him.

Whether his future lies in a further loan spell or a sale in this window is a moot point. Farke spoke at length about how he he rates the England Under-21 international and hopes he accepts the challenge of fighting for his place.

Change can come quickly in football and you have to be ready for your opportunity, but if Cresswell's lies elsewhere then it would be a shame - not only because competition for the position would be diluted, but also because an academy product would be realising his potential away from the club.


Suffice to say, all the above are copy n pasted ^

[Cjay]

Farke's here - full-backs - why allowed to leave?
With Luke, it was a special situation. I spoke a lot about my appreciation of him and his value for us as a club. If we judge the situation selfishly, you have to say it's not like our numbers at FB are too big. You want to keep a player likethat because he's proven. Keep him as human being., After the cup game, he came to us and asked if we would allow him the move. If someone with this CV asks the club for a move you have to accept it.

We want an experienced leader. Great for the club. So many years here. He has spent more years here than I have spent months. We listen to him and that's only fair. He has done so much for the club. I know the club has done so much for him too. Have to remember hos situation. His contract runs out, he's the oldest outfield player and he wants to get more minutes before the fire is still burning. Selfishly, we want to keep you but you have done so much, not just because we want to give something back, but he was always loyal and professional, you deserve a final goodbye in the way you choose.

Not an easy decision. I said a lot about my thoughts on him. If I had played him more he would have stayed, so I know I played my role in this.

He had to think about the final steps of his career. It would have not made any sense to keep him here. Right chpocie to allow him his move.



Full-back replacements?
I am always open about transfers and what we need in positions. We did this in the summer with Sam Byram and in the end Djed Spence. I like to be open and transparent.

I am more careful in January because I know this market is difficult. I cannot lie we have areas with too few numbers, but I know this market is difficult because players are under contract. Players available are those who are coming from injury or not playing. Nobody is tempted to give players away who are playing regularly. If you want someone who has not played recently it is hard to get them going.

Or, you spend crazy money and we cannot do this. I am careful to speak in public about what we do in January. We have some positions where it would be great to strengthen, but I know how difficult the market is.

Players here: you cannot guarantee how a new face will make them feel. Make them feel not wanted or not valued. I do not like to speak publicly too much about what we want to do. If business is done, we will speak about it. We know it would be great to strength but I do not want to point out where we need to strengthen



Ryan Giles
I do not speak about any players. Only when business is done.



Gyabi and Gelhardt
Darko was with the under-21s of late and we got the feeling it's a good choice to go out on loan because he needs to grow with maturity on a senior level. Working on a deal for him, not done yet. Optimistic about a good deal for him.

Joffy is a proper part of our group and played several minutes. Group is not too big and I am not tempted to give any more players away. Djed was our decision and we had to make one with Luke Ayling due to his career.

We want to keep more or less the rest f the group and even strengthen it. Maybe different at the end of the month, but right now we are pleased he is back in training as of yesterday


Injuries
Illan, thank God, is back and will return to the goal if nothing major happens in training,. Byram joined team training today, along with Poveda, who was ill earlier this week. Both available today. They will be ready for Saturday travel. Have to judge 90 minutes.

Gelhardt back too. Bad news is Pascal is still out for this game, no chance, and also Liam Cooper is a major doubt. Could not train today. Groin problems and I do not expect him to be involved.


Harder in this market to get experience?
Yes, sometimes older players can go out, but it does not ake sense to just bring numbers in or players who have not played in six months. No deals are done out of panic. We stay tight together and togetherness. Use 11 players willing to play for this shirt and we will always have a chance.

Our key people are doing a fantastic job.



Need more experienced heads?
That would not be a problem but in this window it's difficult. We lost many experienced players in the summer. Right now, situation with Luke. Not easy to replace his experience. Have this in our mind on incomings, but in January there is no guarantee for finding the right player and affording this. Cannot be too addicted to this and if we do not find the perfect solution we fight with our tools.


Cooper same as Ayling?
Same contract situation, but played a bit more this season, especially of late. When you play for a new contract it's important you get game time and Liam is getting this. Happy we have him and hope he can return as soon as possible



Come a long way since last summer?
I never made a secret out of why I came here. In the long term I want to bring the club here it belongs and I say it belongs in the PL. I want to establish the club there. If you are honest, in the last 20 years we spent three years there. One really good year and then two years of struggling. Relegation. We do not have the right to label ourselves as an established PL club. This is why I came. I want to bring the club back and then establish ourselves there. I would like to do this ASAP, but I mentioned in the summer it can last a while.

Summer was so disruptive, but we still have a chance. Top six give you that chance. We can still chase those clubs ahead of us. Can finish in a position that gives us a chance to go up. I would not say no. We have to work a lot and keep going.

So many points to play for and we know if we play at our best we can finish in a good position


Norwich experience
Can't compare Norwuch with Leeds nor the group of players. In Norwich we could build in the first year and then back it in the second with promotion. This is a whirlwind here.

I have, thank God, the advantage of being involved several times for promotion and winning the title. Two times here and two times in Germany won titles and promotion the top tier.

My experience is of bringing a good positon over the line. MKy first title run in Germany, fourth tier, missed out and leasrnt from it. First time in a title run is hard. Sadly, no guarantee we will have the same outcome, but I can say this experience as a manager, I have to get into the heads and hearts of the players.



January window as a concept?
Not convinced of giving my opinion on every topic. My role is as a coach working on the training pitch. No sense in me complaining about the schedules, 12pm kick-offs or TV schedules. I have learnt to adapt to the reality.

We have to adapt to a January window. Can be annoying, but can be a chance. Difficult for us this season, but I have to say I like this a lot more than the summer window.



Long-term vision
I am here for good and I want to bring values to the club. Players had to adapt to different coaches in the last season. Different approaches and styles of work. Not easy when you have to do something new every four weeks. Major decisions on the training ground are not in the spotlight because you are solving this solution.

We are trying to work on all these things. A staff environment where you are not connected to manager. We want stability. Improvement at the training ground and stadium. What I liked about Marcelo was you could see it was his team without the colour of the shirt. You knew it was a Marcelo team, a Leeds team.

[Cjay]

Leeds live being slow with the updates

Ryan Giles an interesting name drop

[Barlow Boy]

This is what he said about Cresswell…..

Farke says he's seen Cresswell looking low or deflated at certain points. Also says the "ball is in his court and he won't be picked by me until he is mentally ready. I totally get Charlie's points but the ball is in his court.

[Chilli D]

Leeds live being slow with the updates

Ryan Giles an interesting name drop

The fact the question was asked and DF's response says to me we are trying to sign him.
DF could have said there is no truth in it but didn’t.

[Chilli D]

This is what he said about Cresswell…..

Farke says he's seen Cresswell looking low or deflated at certain points. Also says the "ball is in his court and he won't be picked by me until he is mentally ready. I totally get Charlie's points but the ball is in his court.

Surely he will make the bench on Saturday now with both Struijk and Cooper out?
What if Rodon gets injured?

[Cjay]

This is what he said about Cresswell…..

Farke says he's seen Cresswell looking low or deflated at certain points. Also says the "ball is in his court and he won't be picked by me until he is mentally ready. I totally get Charlie's points but the ball is in his court.

I find the Cresswell situation very odd.

Farke has past for falling out with players at Norwich.

Russell Martin Interestingly, Josip Drmic, Buendia, Cantwell, Naismith.

Something isn't right here between him and Cresswell