Daniel Farke press conference live as Leeds United boss reveals injury latest after wounded Hull City win — YEP 4/4/24

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke hosts his pre-match press conference this afternoon in which he is expected to detail the injury status of his first-team absentees.

By Joe Donnohue

Leeds are into the final six games of the regular Championship season with play-off hopefuls Coventry City next up for the Whites. United’s trip to the Ricoh Arena will see them face off against Mark Robins’ Sky Blues without Connor Roberts or Willy Gnonto, though, both of whom are ruled out until later this month with muscle injuries picked up on international duty.

There is hope that Ilia Gruev can return sooner than the aforementioned pair with Farke likely to provide an update on the Bulgarian’s condition this afternoon.

The United boss also disclosed a number of issues for those who were able to feature in the 3-1 win over Hull City on Monday night, which included a back spasm for Joe Rodon, mobility issues for Sam Byram and illness which Glen Kamara was suffering from.

Farke on Piroe and penalty situation

It was really like the situation, Cree was the taker on the sheet, naturally he steps up and wants to take it. If he does this and doesn’t want it, everyone asks why. I like that Cree was there. Joel knows normally when I bring him in he’s first on the teamsheet. Once I substitute him in, I didn’t think about a penalty. As I said I don’t like players who are just in the game with one or two touches to take a penalty. I like players who are adapted to the rhythm, it’s a sign of his character and confidence that he wanted the responsibility. We spoke about the situation, I forgot to give you this message. I think his behaviour was top class, Cree scored, he was one of the first guys to go and celebrate, assist for Dan James’ goal. He’s like a striker, wants to score but he wasn’t just thinking about his goal tally.

Farke on Mateo Joseph

I like when everyone is buzzing about our players. Mateo deserves our praise, he has developed all season, but it’s important we’re not too driven by our emotions. Mateo has got one goal this season in the league, it’s not like without him we have no chance. He’s done well in cup comps, he scored the brace at Chelsea, great, important impact from the bench, this is also what we need. It’s good to have this player with this momentum because whenever he comes on at the moment he comes on with emotions and confidence, but so important to have experienced players on the pitch like Patrick who put a shift in. To have the experience and quality of Patrick available is also crucial, we play with 21 y/o Georginio, 22 y/o Cree Summerville - we need experienced players fit and available and in good shape.

Farke on points tallies

It doesn’t work in football with points averages. It never works like this. The top sides at the moment are doing an incredible job, outstanding season for the top four so far. When you reach 90 points line, you usually win the league or automatic promotion. Probably 90 points will not be enough to win the league, but who knows. In the last gamedays it’s difficult to predict. That we are on a really good point tally is no guarantee we’ll have the same in the next game.

Farke on Coventry

If you want to be successful against a really good side you need to show compactness against the ball. You have to stay concentrated and focused and protect your own goal in the proper way. It’s not a do-or-die game, sometimes a point can be valuable and bring you into an important position for the next game. We are concentrated on the contents. We want to show quality in the opponent’s half. I’m struggling a bit to give you my predictions of this game.

Farke on managing nerves and expectation

Coffee and cake on a day off always keeps me balanced. Sometimes it’s speaking about similar situations to calm the nerves when everyone around goes crazy. More important is how you act, that you still stay the same, you do the preparation, but also not less. It’s important to be the same, to ask them for the same level and standards and that’s what we’re doing. They have to deliver every day in training to earn their spot. We don’t change our level of expectation. I’m a big believer in you play how you train.

Farke on looking at the table

I think if you try to go away from what you’ve done during the whole season, if you try to change it, you will fail. You have to show consistency and calmness. If the lads feel the manager gets nervous it’s never beneficial. It’s important you stick to your beliefs, you’re not a flag in the wind. I don’t think we’ll change a lot. It’s important you’re there when there’s a crunch time period in the season to play with a smile on the face. If you’re over-motivated and too nervous you’ll never achieve anything. The lads need to make sure they’re not over the line, to find the right balance is always key.

Farke on midfield

First of all if Ilia is not available, we are missing a really good midfield option. Ilia is important for our rhythm, sometimes to calm the game down, sometimes to speed it up, really tidy on the ball, shows himself, wants to have the ball under pressure and helps to build against really good pressing side. The guy who initiates our attacks. Finds a good balance forcing it through centre or over the wings. Obviously Charlie Crew plays in a similar role, perhaps a bit more offensive but due to his age he can’t fulfil the role Ilia has done. You can’t dictate the rhythm of a side wanting promotion on the back of a few first-team training sessions but he’s a talent full of potential. We try to improve him. We see him as a high potential young player, there’s a long way to go, you can’t take it for granted a 17 year old plays day in day out like Archie. It would be unfair to put the same weight of expectations on Charlie Crew’s shoulders.

Farke on Coventry

I’m full of respect for Mark’s job. It’s remarkable what he was doing in the play-off final last season, many important players left, they have had to rebuild and improve on performances from day one. Unhappy their last result was not so great as more pressure on next game. Not just league but in cup comps, the way he leads his teams deserves much more credit. I think he’s one of the outstanding coaches on this level. It’s one of the best sides in this league.

Farke on fans

They are the biggest asset to the club. Expectation and pressure comes along with them but when you sign a contract with Leeds you have to know what to do - I love it, they’re second to none. The name says it but we’re United. It’s really the feeling around the place at the moment. They’ve played their part to help us win these games.

Farke on Dan James

Momentum can change quickly in football but only if you show character and take responsibility. In sport you sometimes fail and are on the losing end but then you have to keep going. Pretty happy he showed a good reaction, good performance for us.

Farke on injuries

We are still struggling with a few injury problems. All the players in the squad for the last game are available for Coventry with one exception - Jamie Shackleton. Some problems with his adductors. Out for about two weeks at least. We have a few players on the road to coming back. Ilia Gruev the closest, he’s limited by some pain and swelling, yet to train with the team yet but perhaps there’s a little chance he’s available for the game. Gnonto and Roberts they are muscle strains, they are out three weeks. They’ve only been out 9-10 days so they’re edging closer, I’m hoping they’re back a bit earlier for the Middlesbrough game.

Farke is here

After a win you’re always in a good mood, especially a late winner, some emotional scenes. It was good to have a few days to calm the load. We’re all confident and in a good mood.