Bristol City vs Leeds United: Daniel Farke reveals Largie Ramazani injury severity and Josuha Guilavogui eligibility — YEP 25/10/24
By Joe Donnohue
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke hosts his pre-match press
conference this afternoon ahead of the Whites' trip to face Bristol City.
United are six games unbeaten in the Championship, hoping to
extend their winning run to three matches with victory in the south-west this
weekend, but are likely to be without winger Largie Ramazani after the summer
signing was substituted early on during Leeds' 2-1 win over Watford on Tuesday
night.
Farke will have to do without in-form full-back Junior
Firpo, too, as the Dominican Republic defender serves a one-match suspension
for the accrual of five yellow cards.
Follow everything the manager has to say in his pre-match
press briefing here with text updates from 12:30pm.
Farke on managing commonalities from players of different
cultures and nationalities
I think football can be a role model for our society. Not
too complicated to live together peacefully, I don’t believe too much in
passports. Good togetherness and spirit is crucial. It was key to success 30
years ago and the secret to success in 30 years, but this has nothing to do
with a passport. Different type of guys. Sometimes a guy from S. America is
close to a guy from Scandinavia and you wouldn’t expect that. It’s important to
have good principles. We’re working on this. It’s not like we would allow Illan
and Josh to talk too much in French when we’re together as a group. We just
speak English in the dressing room. Sometimes to get the Irish accent away is
difficult, I ask Henry to speak slower to understand him. The young and old can
sometimes make a joke out of it, the British guys against the guys from abroad,
but in a jokey way. Young against old in training, good spirit and togetherness
on the training pitch is quite important but this group is pretty special in
these terms. It’s a joy to work with them.
Farke on Archie Gray loan possibility
My rule, I don’t speak about other players who are under
contract at other clubs. I’m a bit reluctant to do any comments who are not
under contract anymore. Our fingers are crossed for Archie and his whole
career. If you want some recommendation, he already has my telephone number but
I keep it pretty private what I recommend. It’s always a challenge if you join
a top eight Premier League club, top class players in positions, players who
are signed for incredible money, all want to play. A squad of 30 players, only
11 can start a game. I didn’t expect an 18 year old player from the second tier
to replace everyone. I think Archie has impressed how far I can judge it, in
the beginning of the season. It’s not up to me to judge his performances, I
also don’t want to speculate after he’s just left us.
Farke on opportunities for under-utilised players
It’s a bit easier for more experienced players but this is
how professional football works. You have to stay positive, professional and
prepare for the chance. The chance is not easy to grab, you have to use it
without being in a rhythm. You have to prepare yourself in the best possible
way, the best example is our midfielders, Ao or Joe Rothwell, they had to wait
a little bit but now everyone is singing their names and praises. If you’re a
football professional you can’t expect it’s easy, you have to prepare when the
sun is not shining.
Farke on Guilavogui's signing process after Gruev scan
It was pretty complicated situation. Actually it was not our
plan to sign a player in October. When there is something happen like this, two
main players are out for several months, within a few days, you have to be a
bit creative. We have our scouts who are prepared for such a scenario, doing a
really good job. But you also have to use your network of experienced key
people. The first thing was to speak about profile of the player we wanted to
bring in, it was obvious the type of player we needed. We spoke about which
type of character and what he would need to accept in his role, once our club
captain comes back. It could also be he’s not in the spotlight anymore. We
didn’t want a player who was greedy to play every minute, to understand his
role as a mentor. He should still be greedy to show every day that he wants to
play, not like an assistant coach, but out of this we had a few candidates.
Then it was to check their physical conditions, speak to them, someone who is
affordable and not just here because of the money. And to speak to him about
his role. To do lots of research with his former teammates and managers. In one
or two conversations, everyone is really nice. For that, we checked a few
candidates and options and right now we had the decision of Josh and he wanted
to come as well. That was the process.
Farke on standard of division
You never know how many points you need. The best solution
is to win as many as possible. For me, I’ve spoken about this several times.
Every game is important. At the start of the season it’s important to bring
yourself into a good position. The table will be made between November to
March. With two point average at the moment, we’re pretty pleased but there are
strong teams out there. We are not addicted too much to look at the table. It’s
of course nice to be top of the league after a game, it’s good for the mood but
the most important topic is the points tally.
Farke on other injuries
We spoke about time scale for Ethan, eight to ten weeks. If
he comes back even slightly earlier, I’m hoping for this. It’s too soon to
judge this because he’s on a good path in his rehab but you never know, there
could be a setback. We will see, the same with Gruev, he will definitely not
come back during this calendar year. Normally you’re out for four months with
his injury but too early to judge. Max Wober he’s a bit ahead of schedule,
there’s a chance he could join us in team training next week. Perhaps available
before the [November] int’l break. We expected him to be back on the other side
of the break. It looks okay with him.
Farke on Firpo suspension
I never speak too much about the starting lineup because my
players should be first [to know]. Two natural options there with Byram and
Schmidt. We have another training session this afternoon but it’s very likely
one of them will replace him. They are obviously a bit different, Sam the
experienced option, Isaac a new signing with new energy. Sam, also like in
terms of physicality, heading, experience, he has played pretty often in
central defensive role, bit more versatile in this topic. Isaac is pretty offensive-minded.
Bit different profile but can both do both.
Farke on Ramazani
Sadly bad news with him. Twisted his ankle. Sadly it’s a
serious ligament injury. Doesn’t need surgery but will be out four-to-six
weeks. Best case last week of November.
Farke on why Guilavogui was available in mid-October
There is always something with a player why he is not under
contract in October. The only thing you can speak about perhaps is his age. You
are reluctant to sign a player because of his age. But, he could also afford to
be pretty picky. More than 200 games at Bundesliga level, 100 games in Ligue 1
in France. Played seven times for France under Didier Deschamps at a time when
France were dominating European football - you don’t win this in the lottery
It’s not important right now that he plays many minutes,
it’s that he’s there as an additional option and fingers crossed we go on
without injuries. To bring him in was necessary, for the pure numbers.
Farke on Guilavogui
He’s available and eligible to play. When you haven’t
trained you can’t be there with 100 per cent but has spent a few days with us
in team training and with the ball.
We are all happy and pleased it was possible to bring him
in. I spoke about the profile I wanted. It’s always a bit complicated in
October. Josh brings quality in the positions we need him, naturally holding
midfielder, pretty physical, concentrated, good defensive skills. Also played a
lot in the centre-back role. He adds a bit of experience to our side and we can
do with some experience in the dressing room. He 100 per cent understands his
role. Good fitness shape, also totally convinced of taking over this role as
emergency case. He spoke quite open and honest what we want to see, a bit like
a mentor for younger players, help to develop them. Gives us some cover if
perhaps a young player is not prepared. This is a guy who will not crack under
pressure. In addition, he’s an unbelievable guy. In the first days with us you
can realise what a great guy he is. He was captain at more or less every team
he’s played. He’s speaks Spanish with Mateo, German is possible with him. His
English is very well. And he even seems to understand Henry McStay, Irish guy
in our medical department.