Irked Farke answers Leeds United critics with break from tradition few had expected — Leeds Live 15/5/24


Daniel Farke made decisions on Sunday against Norwich City that showed a degree of tactical flexibility which Leeds United critics have not always seen from him this season

Momentarily, Daniel Farke seemed irked at any suggestion his Leeds United tactics might be predictable. Ahead of Sunday’s first leg, the manager had been asked how he ensures his team’s approach is not easy for Norwich City to anticipate.

“We were never predictable during the season,” he said. “We have always a different option and also played different base formations, but the principles are, more or less, always the same.”

Sunday’s selection almost seemed to be Farke proving his point. Archie Gray was definitely not predicted to start as the team’s attacking midfielder behind Georginio Rutter.

Gray’s recall was not a surprise, but right-back or central midfield had been the expectation. The teenager has played as the advanced playmaker with great success in the under-21s, but he hasn’t started in that role with the first team before.

Stamford Bridge witnessed Gray at his most spellbinding this season, when he ran the FA Cup tie at Chelsea from a deeper midfield slot. We know he has the engine, anticipation, hunger, vision, touch, passing and tackling to cover all of those bases down the spine of the team.

Still, Rutter has been immovable as the team’s attacking creator since the turn of the year and Farke has not, until recently, ever needed to consider an alternative. The stream of assists, and some goals, has always made the Frenchman integral to this Leeds side, but even Farke could no longer ignore what has gone on since Rutter’s hernia surgery.

Not only has Rutter failed to score or assist since his international break operation, but Joel Piroe has consistently underwhelmed at the tip of the attack in Farke’s system. Introducing Gray to shift Rutter and Piroe showed a degree of flexibility we have not always seen from the German.

If Patrick Bamford has not been available, it’s virtually always been Piroe, come rain or shine, since the turn of the year. Mateo Joseph has not had a go in league games, despite his evident purple patch and the struggles of older team-mates.

Rutter’s attacking production has not made his selection a debate until recently, but opting for Gray and not Piroe, the usual understudy at number 10 too, was a clear departure from the norm. It was a nod, perhaps, to the knockout nature of what Farke is now having to turn his hand to.

Leeds had to be firmer and more solid in Norfolk, closing down those channels through the centre that had recently been flattened by opponents. It worked. The 4-2-3-1 we have seen throughout the year had the ability to drop into a 4-3-3 when needed. Could we yet see similar leftfield calls on Thursday night?

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