Daniel Farke

[GreennWhite]

I feel after the debacle of last season any time things go wrong at the moment, fans will start to think oh no we cant have another bad run of games as it was awful last season. There is still quite a lot of last season worries with some fans, and they start to fear the worst again. Its still very early in the season, we are still far away from a fully functioning team that can play well week in week out, there are going to be bumps in the road for a good while yet. What we cant do is to allow 2 or 3 teams to get miles ahead of us and be playing catch up that's never good. For me when we get to the end of January then we will know just where we stand. Apart from Leicester i dont expect the top of the table to be like it is now, some of those teams up there will drop away and we have to be one of the teams that fills those top 2 or 3 places by end of January.

[AcrossThePondAsh]

I feel after the debacle of last season any time things go wrong at the moment, fans will start to think oh no we cant have another bad run of games as it was awful last season. There is still quite a lot of last season worries with some fans, and they start to fear the worst again. Its still very early in the season, we are still far away from a fully functioning team that can play well week in week out, there are going to be bumps in the road for a good while yet. What we cant do is to allow 2 or 3 teams to get miles ahead of us and be playing catch up that's never good. For me when we get to the end of January then we will know just where we stand. Apart from Leicester i dont expect the top of the table to be like it is now, some of those teams up there will drop away and we have to be one of the teams that fills those top 2 or 3 places by end of January.

Lots of this I'd be the first to admit I feel it myself on a small scale within and during matches, as well as on the larger scale with the season as a whole. It seems to have a lot to do with context, and given the way the past two season have gone it's completely understandable why the majority of fans would feel this way. It's also not to say that performances couldn't be better, after all, who wouldn't want that

[malcolmw]

I don't think there needs to be a focus on the Rodon comment. Farke has said himself that he will praise but not let players get ahead of themselves. Feels like a non-issue to me.

I tend to agree. It's a non-issue. He knows his players and has the bigger picture. None of us do.

All 11 players played poorly last weekend. Some seem to feel had he started Joe instead of Coops everything would've been different.
In all likelihood it wouldn't have.

We had a hangover game after an absolutely excellent one.

Watched Locky's blog about the game and he demonstrates some very valid points about how poorly the 2 midfielders were positioning themselves, and enabled Southampton's front 3 to get in behind them. Kamara in particular was very slow positonally and made life extremely difficult for the CB's
Let's be honest, Southampton saw an opportunity. They knew we still had heads in the clouds. They hit hard and early - still a vulnerability of ours - and then took the game by the scruff of the neck.
I do find it interesting they played 433 against us and they did it well on the day

Let's stop with the conspiracy theories about a divide between manager and players. It is pure conjecture and not helpful.

I agree that to me Joe should've started in place of Coops. But I can also see why he didn't do that. I also wonder why he didn't make that change at 1/2time. But I wasn't on the touch line or in the dressing room.
I would've asked that if I was a journo in that press conference today. I find some of the journalists are a bit passive-aggressive. You could tell that was their real question of the day but they all beat around the bush.


If we play like that again tomorrow night, then maybe some of the points being made now can be made on Thursday.

[geronimo]

Lian as been slipping me these brown envelopes for quite a long time now, but I have decided enough is enough

[Scoobychief]

So is today a must win game? Or can't afford to loose game. LoL.

[The Subhuman]

It's a game we need to win if we want to get into position to challenge the top 2. Less important if the target is a playoff place.

We also need to start beating the bottom teams especially at home, as a statement, as a sign we're headed in the right direction,

Despite Farke playing up QPR they are struggling a bit atm.

[lufc1304]

If it’s a non issue then don’t mention it maybe.
Farke I mean not you.
Also he says he has to handle the own goal. Then it would be a penalty. Just kidding

Yeah, Jay, there is that. Maybe taken out of context, don't know.
Your cab's outside!!!

[The Subhuman]

Yeah, Jay, there is that. Maybe taken out of context, don't know.
Your cab's outside!!!

AOTY

[andrewjohnsmith]

Likes reminding Rodon of his errors

Really

And hyping up Cooper

Looks like Cooper and Strujik at the back

[andrewjohnsmith]

Farke needs to sort out the captaincy if it's affecting team selection. Rodon & Ampadu are automatic imo. You can't say the same about Ayling or Coops due to the fact they can't play 3 times a week & their age, energy/fitness levels

Yes. But how often do you see a manager change captains during the season?

Nothing wrong with a captain being on the bench though. Seen that plenty of times.

[Jaydog]

Really

And hyping up Cooper

Looks like Cooper and Strujik at the back

If that happens it’s then very clear he has issues with Rodon. It’ll be Rodon - Cooper I reckon which would be a low blow to Struijk. And us.

[Cjay]

Costa - good to have that one wrapped up?
Yes we were waiting for a solution and we've found one. We had honest talks about it bt from both sides it's better this topic is out of the way. We wish him luck.


Injury news
Jamie will miss another game. His shoulder will miss a game. Byram, we have to see, we'll make a late call but his situation is better than last time, it's three games in seven days, an extra 24 hours to last time and that makes a big difference. I'm too concerned but we have a session this afternoon and I will talk to him.

Joe Rodon is alright, Jaidon with his knock I would say is 50/50. Today he is much improved but 50/50


On Anthony
I was pleased with his first performance and I hope he's available but I would say 50/50.


On the fans and Wednesday's atmosphere
When you play 46 games and two cup competitions, you can't burn the candle at both ends, you have to wait for moments to hit top gear. Sometimes you need to just control a game and be calm. Our supporters are always great, they are pretty special and unique. It's up to us to entertain and I would say the game against Bristol is really crucial, until September it was really hard work but we're in a really good position now and we want to cement this position. It's crucial and we need a buzzing Elland Road. We need to them to carry us and it's our responsibility to work hard and be at our best but they can help us. For me it's one of the most difficult and complicated games we've played so far.


On the table
No because I'm not addicted to the table after 11 games. It's not like it;s important where you are after 11 games. We've had a really good spell with many good defensive performances, it would be a perfect final finish before the international break. It's important and we need to be on it.


How do you pick between your centre-backs?
They are all different. Each game brings different tactical necessities. It depends on the game and the moment of the game and timing


Are the loan players in your plans?
It's not too much my topic, I don't have the time or energy, the players with us need all my attention. I'm not too concerned about the players out on loan. We follow them closley and when there is some time like the international break, we'll do this


Farke on Perkins not playing
I don't want to talk about the players out on loan. I respect that each and every club has its own business and the player has to make sure they're successful. I won't comment on the decisions of other players.

Who plays left back without Shackleton and Byram?
Not a huge amount but we'll have options on the pitch. We might have to change a player who is not used to playing such a situation. It would be tricky (should have signed a left back like fans said then)


On the Rutter and Piroe debate
I get the feeling we are discussing this topic in every press conference. We always speak about Rutter and Piroe and I understand, everyone has opinions. Let's make a deal, I give you my lenghty thoughts and then don't ask me again. It lasts a while.

Firstly I want to play players always in their best position but this means also when you talk about Rutter, Bamford, Piroe, just one of them can be on the pitch, they all want to play striker. I also like to have two or three of them on the pitch. We were lacking goals from deeper positions and you can't rely on goals from the striker.

Secondly, your best position always differs between clubs. It's different to score 20 goals for a club who is fighting relegation or fighting for the top positions. It's a different ask. With all respect, i think it's different if you have to score 20 goals for Swansea than Leeds United. At Swansea he was the main man, here he has other players. It'sa different role. This is something we must not forget. I rate Swansea but at times they were sitting deeper and were reluctant. Joel, there are always different qualities and some of his tempt me to play him in the striker position, his finishing of course. I struggle to find players in the whole country with his finishing. But for us, we want the ball at each and every moment. We want a player to lead the line with intelligence. We need a striker who stretches it with running behind and smart movement. but, with all respect to Joel he's not the lightning quick player who stretches the line so he arrives late with instrictive finish. If our striker has to fulfil other tasks then he's perhaps not always the perfect option up front.

After Millwall, Ipswich, Watford, we are singing the song of Piroe, but when he doesnt score it's because he's in the wrong position, it's not healthy.

The second to last one, I'm just thinking about the team. I'm not here to win the golden boot. I'm thinking about the team being successful. It's important that our strikers in total are there. In respect to Swansea, they played him up front, but they didn't win the title. We need players all other the pitch that score.

Also. Piroe has scored four in seven and if we continues on that average we are happy. We need also the goals of Bamford, Rutter.

Really my last point. I stay humble and I don't overrate my position. I want to support my players and help them but I have won the league twice and I know what is necessary. You need goals from everywhere.

Really my last point now. I was a striker, I started my career at a small club and the striker won the golden boot and we had to sell him. Two more times. I went to Dortmund, I had a striker, he won the golden boot. FIve seasons in a row my strikers won the golden boot. Then I went to England to join Norwich, we signed Pukki and he won the golden boot twice. I went to Gladbach, signed Thuram, he scored double figures and he played in a World Cup final. When it comes to strikers I know my business and when it comes down to winning this league, I know my business.

Let's not talk about this again. Keep going and speculating, that's OK, but let's not talk about it in a press conference.

Sorry for my answer I'm already in game 



On VAR
I don't have strong thoughts if I'm honest, when you're on the wrong side of the decision you think why don't we have VAR but when you're ont he right side, I still feel this. I like fair judgement and I don't want a gift. I'm a believer that it makes the game more fair but the emotions are not there.



Is it tough to build momentum with so many international breaks?
I take the situation like this. When you're in good rhythm you like to keep going. Obviously you're concerned when may players are away and you hope about workload and that they don't come back with injuries. It's not that helpful that we have international players but we have to adapt to it.



How do you get work into them during this period?
It depends. So for Byram it's important to calm the load but others need to work more. It's important in the first week and the beginning of the first week to calm the load and maybe days off. The second week then leads into the next game. You have to listen to the data and also your gut feeling.




Do you prefer the quiet periods or hectic moments?
It depends, as a player there is nothing better than playing and as a coach you have to make decisions but the adreneline of Elland Road, there is no better feeling. As a player I'd play every day, I'd rather do that than run but as a coach it changes the point of perspective.

[Cjay]

Long explanation on the Rutter and Piroe debate

[Kennyb41]

I enjoyed ALL that.

There we go, he's still figuring it out for himself yet, and PB's only just back in contention, it's nothing like panic stations, it's just a tricky one.

Get all the fckers played, they've 2 weeks off innit.

[Kennyb41]

His whole team is still a work in progress, and he's dealing still, with what he's been dealt, it is nowhere near a 'settled' side at all yet.

So there we have it, it's a case of - Watch this space, and try and figure the feckin thing out for thaself, it's hardwork finding that balance

[mentalcase]

Who plays left back without Shackleton and Byram?
Not a huge amount but we'll have options on the pitch. We might have to change a player who is not used to playing such a situation. It would be tricky (should have signed a left back like fans said then)

Hopefully thats a dig or even a full kick in t' gonads for the owners.

As Ive stated elsewhere, he still dosen't know his starting 11 and is trying to keep everyone happy, I see a couple wanting out in January whilst we hopefully get a proper LB in.

[Cjay]

Who plays left back without Shackleton and Byram?
Not a huge amount but we'll have options on the pitch. We might have to change a player who is not used to playing such a situation. It would be tricky (should have signed a left back like fans said then)

Hopefully thats a dig or even a full kick in t' gonads for the owners.

As Ive stated elsewhere, he still dosen't know his starting 11 and is trying to keep everyone happy, I see a couple wanting out in January whilst we hopefully get a proper LB in.

Sadly not

It's a dig from me

[mentalcase]

Sadly not

It's a dig from me

Well it can't have gone un-noticed to him, surely he realises we need a proper LB, as he states himself "We might have to change a player who is not used to playing such a situation."
Square peg round eh !!

[Kennyb41]

Where's Costa packet gone ?

[mentalcase]

Where's Costa packet gone ?

Hopefully to costa coffee, cause that's all he was fit for.