Bristol City coach admits Leeds United and Daniel Farke sprung an Elland Road surprise before kick-off – YEP 7/10/23
Bristol City assistant coach Curtis Fleming says the Robins did not anticipate 17-year-old Archie Gray to be deployed at right-back during their 2-1 defeat by the home side at Elland Road on Saturday.
By Joe Donnohue
Gray conducted himself professionally on the right-hand side
of Farke’s defence, rising to the challenge set by his manager in keeping
Bristol City top goalscorer Sam Bell quiet.
Farke explained his reasoning at full-time, shortly after
Fleming had given his verdict on the match, which included complimenting Leeds’
attack, as well as admitting the visitors were caught unaware by Farke’s
tactical intentions as the two teams lined up for the kick-off.
"We weren't sure, even when the team came in we thought
[Ethan] Ampadu would maybe play right-back. We thought he was a bit more
experienced but Gray did.
"We worked on switching play against him but didn't ask
as many questions as we could have of the young lad,” Fleming said.
"There's some real quality and we knew that coming into
the game and we had to concentrate as much as we could as a defensive unit. We
thought our front four could cause them problems.
"There's no doubt if you give quality players
opportunities they'll score goals. When you come to Leeds and match them for 96
minutes and come away with nothing it's disappointing,” the Robins’ assistant
added.
As for the thinking behind Farke’s novel tactical change,
the German said: “I have to give all the compliments to Archie. One thing is
having an idea. It's much more important that the player brings it on the
pitch.
"We wanted to play with a more technical player, like a
traditional midfield player with pace tracking the wingers."
Gray kept the Robins’ attacks at bay on his side of the
pitch, contesting eight tackles during the game, recovering possession nine
times, and winning 12 of his 15 duels.