Full Leeds United press conference transcript as Daniel Farke gives lengthy Bamford penalty explanation — YEP 27/10/23
Every word Leeds United manager Daniel Farke said on injuries, fan encounters, Stoke City, Huddersfield Town and Patrick Bamford’s penalty miss in midweek.
By Joe Donnohue
Daniel, we always ask you about the team news but I think
Crysencio Summerville’s problem with the shoulder was of interest to us the
other day. How have you had to manage this and is he okay for tomorrow?
DF: No, it's not a big problem, he has [been] struggling
with this since a few weeks, shoulder injuries before each and every training
session, each and every game, has to strap it, it's improving like normal a
shoulder injury, it always lasts a while until you don't feel the pain anymore,
but he's ready for the training sessions, also ready for the game so not a big
problem.
It was also not the only reason why he was not in the
starting line-up in the last game, I’ve spoke before he missed big parts of
pre-season also, we have to keep in mind that especially in the recent season,
he was not so much involved, not a regular starter, is also a bit of an injury
CV and then he had also during the season already one muscle injury. Then in
addition to that, he is also struggling with the shoulder, in the last game he
was there with cramps against Norwich, that was reason all together that he was
not in the starting line-up [vs Stoke].
Yes, he is actually at the moment in an outstanding form and
[Norwich] was a brilliant performance. We don't have to talk about this, how
much I like him and rate him and I spoke about my appreciation for him after
the last game when he was in the starting XI, Norwich, about this but we also
have to keep in mind we need him during the whole season and we can't risk him
to be out for a long term injury because we're doing something stupid. Once
players have a difficult period due to some injuries or missing parts of
pre-season, then we have to be careful. I'm quite sure that in a few weeks, he
will be also ready to play three games within seven days. But right now after
his difficult start to the season, we just have to be careful but I don't think
he's doubtful [this weekend].
So, do you think you’ll literally have the same 20 players
that you had in midweek or anybody else new coming into it for you?
DF: Yes, we'll see. So there was a few knocks and hits after
the game and once you have such a quick turnaround you have to make some late
decisions but at least no major injuries [is] what I can confirm. So I think
that more or less all the players are available.
Has Luke Ayling told you about his brilliant goal the last
time the two sides met?
DF: I saw it, I saw it the other day.
Did he make you watch it?
DF: No. Out of coincidence, when he scored it the last time
I watched it. Yes.
That was the last time the two sides met, these games have
traditionally have a lot of goals or always have goals in them as well. You
feel a bit of extra spice about this one?
DF: Yes, I think if you're, if you don't feel this extra
motivation for a local derby then we have a problem. So definitely it's an
important game for the for the club, for the fanbase. Obviously it's just three
points. So, it's the same value for the table like all the other games, but
yes, you want to have this special atmosphere and the rivalry and I think it's
quite important in this game to be even a bit more motivated, both sides want
to be successful, especially also think that Huddersfield after perhaps a
difficult last game, they have the chance to turn the whole mood around so I
think they will come highly motivated. But so are we. It's important to go
really yes, in full motivation, last gear, into such a derby because we want to
be successful.
Daniel, it's clear that you've bought into the club and the
area since you've been here, but for a game like this do you ask people like
Sam Byram who's been here before and played in these games about what they're
like?
DF: Not too much because everyone in the club tells me
anyway how important this game is and also the staff members and obviously also
this among the players sometimes talk about it. But it's not necessary, I’m
also most experienced enough to know what it means to be there in a local derby
and I'm fully aware that it’s an important game for us.
One of the big talking points in the week obviously was
Patrick Bamford missing and you said you'd speak to him. Have you sort of dealt
with him and have you had to lift his confidence out of this game after that
miss?
DF: It was not a big topic. Yeah, we had a short chat about
the situation but that's it. Patrick is an experienced player, doesn't need my
backing in the terms was definitely a bit difficult situation due to the
circumstances and obviously also like a decisive moment in the game, but that's
football. If we use a penalty, it would be a completely different story then
Patrick is a big hero and we also get a brilliant away win, everyone speaks
about great game management, difficult first half but then we exhausted them,
the substitutes change the game and won the game perfect. Everything is right,
yes. If you then miss the penalty and they use the rhythm in order to score out
of this also a bit unlucky for us because it was more or less like a half own
goal or something like this. It's obviously also like trying and disappointing
but that’s football. We we have the chance next game to show reaction and win
the points, that’s what we want to do.
Different players, different managers, different boat,
what's your style and is it sometimes just to not talk about something or would
you always broach something like that when players going through a bit of pain
at the moment?
DF: No, it differs. You have to listen to your experience
and also to your gut feeling how you handle this situation. Patrick is
experienced enough and we don't have to go too much into details in this terms.
It was difficult. If you want to have the full story. I'm a big believer that
the coach decides who takes the penalties because what I hate most is that when
they have discussions on the pitch, or it's unclear who takes the penalty,
that's reason why we always decide before the game who takes the penalty and
for this game, Joel Piroe was our main taker. And then you have also one or two
options because you could always be that the player doesn't have a great day or
sometimes when he's fouled, he doesn't feel confident to take the penalty,
something like this. So you have then the second or the third choice. And you
have it on the list, but you can't name all 11 players on the list because then
you don't have to do it at all. So, you always have the main taker and then
perhaps one or two other options.
For this game, Joel Piroe was our main taker and the problem
is also like another one on the list is Jaidon Anthony because he's also great
and good record taking penalties but he was also substituted and the only
player - I don't believe also too much into players who come into the game that
they take over a penalty, because I think it's always beneficial when you have
played at least a few minutes and you get used [to the game]. So, I would for
example, never substitute a player just 10 seconds before the end of injury or
extra time just for the penalty shootout. Because I don't believe in this. I
think players have to be involved in the game. So that's why I'm always
struggling to name players who are substituted to take over a penalty.
But in this chance it was difficult, because the only
offensive player who was still on the pitch was Georginio Rutter. Yeah, he was
sadly missed the other night in the cup game [vs Salford] a penalty not in the
best way. And we just had the back four and the two, holding midfielders on the
pitch who were there. And I don't tell you a secret but the only one who was
still on my sheet to overtake a penalty was a centre-back who has never taken a
penalty in a competitive game. And for that, in this moment Patrick has already
scored a few penalties said, ‘No I don't hide behind the fact that I missed
also the last two. I want to take the responsibility and don't let a guy who
also doesn't feel confident to overtake the situation in such a crucial moment
to take this. No, I show responsibility I'm experienced player, I want to take
this penalty.’
You can't blame them. So it's more of a sign of no, he
doesn't want to hide. He takes the pressure. Yes, obviously, he then missed it
and it's also like, instead of being the hero, has to deal with lots of
criticism, but if you overtake responsibility that's what you have to do and
for that, it's also quite normal, it's football. Yeah, sometimes you miss a
penalty.
I told this on my first day when I started, everyone has a
fresh start and the past is not important, everyone has a chance to impress.
So, Patrick had the chance also to make his last couple of misses forgotten
with being there and taking the penalty set. Sadly, he missed the chance. Next
time a different player will have to overtake the responsibility. It's as
simple as that. We can't change it for this game, it was a decisive moment, but
it's football and for that we win together we lose together and it’s not right
to point the finger to someone. I was happy that he was not hiding, that he
wanted to overtake responsibility, and there was no natural penalty taker on
the pitch anymore. And for that I can't blame Patrick. We also spoke about the
situation that we will be a bit careful with the substituted player, or a
player who is substituted in whoever takes penalties, it won't happen again or
I decide he has to do this. But yeah, that was a tricky situation for that. I
explained a bit lengthy why it was like this because I also want you to know
the background a little bit why he overtook this penalty, but it's a topic
anymore. Hopefully we convert and use next one.
The gaps now nine points to second, how much of a concern is
that at this stage of the season? Or do you not really see it as a concern?
DF: The difference to Ipswich or whatever is not important
to me. The table is for me just important after 40 games. Also don't like that
you always have to be concerned about something, so if someone would have
offered the position three after a really difficult summer break in the end of
August that we will be in position three and in the top six with a proper point
tally, I think many people would have settled that would be great if you're in
this position.
So, I'm not concerned. We were on a brilliant little run,
it's the Championship but sometimes there's a little setback but you don't have
to take too much attention on point differences. Not that the point gap that we
have in it watch the other teams but also not at other teams are ahead of us in
the table, for us it’s just important that we deliver good performance good
results. I think we were not at our best, especially in the first half in the
last game and this is our only topic. I want to use our possession better than
we did at Stoke but that's the only topic.
Is there any update on Stuart Dallas, Junior Firpo, Djed
Spence?
DF: Junior is back in team training, Stuart at the moment is
doing some individual training, Djed’s also in the last stages of his rehab. I
hope both of them Stuart and Djed can return back to team training pretty soon
and then Djed was also only for about eight weeks, it’s not like the first day
back in team training he’s available for the games, he also would need
definitely a little bit of training, but I hope that's pretty soon, in the next
days, perhaps 10 days, 14 days, he'll return back to team training. But he
hasn't joined us yet.
Sam's been so solid at left back we've forgotten to ask
about his minutes and how he's how he's coping. Do you think it'd be alright
for tomorrow given it's such a tight turnaround?
DF: Yes. Always someone we have to be careful also due to
his injury record and yes, last time he was able to play three games in seven
days, but each and every week is also different. So, we make a late decision
with him. He came through games alright, there were a few knocks anyhow, we
will make a late decision.
Charlie, Joe and Leo obviously aren't paying a huge amount
because you’ve got such a good squad the moment. We haven't seen any of the 21s
yet. Do you have any objection to playing them in the 21s? Is there a reason
why you haven't kept them sharp in those games?
DF: Well, first of all, they were competitors also for us on
the gameday squad and it's important that you have competition and the training
for example. Also Charlie has played a lot on international level. We don't
want to risk anything and you have always to take some individual choices which
for example, Mateo Joseph was involved [for the 21s] because of lack of game
time after his injury. I think it was quite important. Joe has played a few
games also, Charlie has played several games during the international break and
for that we have the feeling of this moment wasn't necessary that they have
more minutes. It would be more beneficial to train with us on a really good
training level but we will decide more or less from game to game and from from
training to training what we do.
How happy you are Joe and Pascal at centre-back at the
moment, they seem to be forming a really strong partnership and even when the
team might be under pressure?
DF: Yes, overall very happy, more happy with a clean sheet,
I would love really if we could return to this behaviour. But I have to say our
defending overall in Stoke was quite good. Out of the game we didn’t allow them
to have many chances, it was an unlucky own goal and we can’t blame Pascal to
this. He’s had two already unlucky own goals, the other day at Southampton it
deflected into the goal, so it is unlucky overall. In general, our defensive
performances are why we’re in a really good position in the table, position
three in the top six, one key is that we are rock solid at defending, defending
well is always a basement. We like to attack, we are an offensive and
possession minded team, but the basis is to be rock solid defensive and we are
quite good there. There is space for improvement or we would sit in position
one. We can do better and could do with another clean sheet but I give
compliments to Joe and Pascal. But Liam and Charlie for example., when they’ve
played have been involved in clean sheets. I am pleased with my centre-backs
overall.
We all know what Championship is like, the key is not to
overreact, do you have to work harder to make sure people don’t overreact?
DF: Yes, that is normal, it is important after each and
every win, our supporters want to dance on the table and after a loss like we
conceded at Stoke, you need to have the feeling the world goes down. I have the
same feeling but I have to stay calm and more level. I don’t dance around with
several wins in a row and I don’t overreact to a little setback. I am quite
analytical in this way, sometimes it is fine margins because if we would had
converted the penalty and scored the first goal, just one team would have won
this game and everyone would dance on the table saying, ‘yes it was a difficult
away game, first half we had to dig in but the game management was brilliant.
What a depth in the squad we could rotate, we brought players off the bench and
they decided the game,’ but sadly we didn’t convert the penalty and it is the
other way around. That is quite normal for an emotional club it is important to
stay calm. Last time this club won the league in a perfect way, it could be
that I am wrong, but there were nine losses. Last time I was promoted with
Norwich, we had six or seven losses, so sometimes you can have a setback, it’s
the Championship. It’s a long a season and no team goes through it without a
setback, without losing. This league is too competitive, like I mentioned, not
the best league, that’s the Premier League, but this is the toughest league and
if you don’t have a mindset to keep going after a setback and you don’t lose
your confidence, you have a problem. The most important topic after a setback
is to react in the right way and make sure there is not back to back losses.
This is what we’ve done so far and why we are highly motivated to show a
reaction tomorrow and win the points.
You’ve got the most important job setting the mood in the
dressing room, but how important are your leaders to keep things going, whether
it’s been good or bad?
DF: Yes I have spoken so much about this topic. It’s
important, because the time of a one man show is over, you need a proper group
who believes and sticks to your beliefs and values. Also the things that are
important into the heads and hearts and souls of players, so you need your
leaders in the group. I praised in the recent weeks Liam and Luke a lot,
although they are not involved every second on the pitch we need them to lead
this group, this is what they are doing in a brilliant way. We also have younger
players growing into this role, we have a relatively young group, especially
the starting line up is very young, so I am looking forward to having Stuart
Dallas as a regular back in the dressing room and team training because of his
experience. I like the younger players attitude, we have a good energy within
the group and I also like that they are self critical, I sometimes have to make
sure they don’t overthink too much and are still going into the games with
rhythm, this is also quite important. For that I am really grateful and happy
to have so many great characters in the team and experienced players like Luke
and Liam.
And again, this might be overthinking on my part. But when
you come to a new football club, how important is it that you get a feel of the
area and the supporters and their mindset?
DF: Yes it is crucial, because we are playing for
supporters, I mentioned this the other day. Quite often we are speaking about
business and money and transfers, this is important, you have to lead a club
smart and think about these aspects, it’s crucial to be successful. The most
value and priceless is our supporters. This game is played for our supporters,
football is a supporters game, if you forget about this value and think about
business aspects we don’t get the meaning of football. I think it’s important,
I mentioned several times, it’s not a phrase it is my belief, the club with our
supporters is more important than any manager, player, board member, it’s a
supporters club and they are the most important value for us as the club and in
general for football. It’s important you keep in mind that you play this game
for the supporters and in this sense is how I think the game should be played.
Do you get out and meet supporters, do you bump into them in
supermarkets, do you feel the club by talking to them?
DF: Yes, I am not living on the moon, so obviously I am a
human being and do normal things. I have to eat and go to the supermarket, so
yes, there are many occasions we meet people who are showing their heart and
soul of Leeds United. But in the city you can feel their joy when we are
successful and feel the pain after a setback. Sometimes you have to go to the
gas station, it’s important we don’t live in a spaceship, because we are all
human beings and not different, we are just working in a privileged role and it
is great to be allowed to work for such a club in a privileged role, but it
comes with a big responsibility and we want to make our supporters happy.
Joel Piroe, I saw a comparison with him and Haaland, how
happy are you with him and his goal return, and what other assets are his best
quality, and how good can he become?