Daniel Farke explains sub decision and injury latest after Norwich City draw — YEP 1/10/24

By Graham Smyth

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke admits it was a difficult decision to take off two of his dangermen late on in a 1-1 draw with Norwich that he declared a ‘good point on the road.’

The Whites came from behind at Carrow Road but suffered another potentially costly injury with the first half departure of Ilia Gruev. The Bulgarian international came off just after Norwich went ahead through Josh Sargent’s penalty. Leeds are already without defensive midfielder Ethan Ampadu until January and Gruev’s premature exit left Farke with a pair of natural 8s in the middle of the park. Ao Tanaka was joined by Joe Rothwell in midfield and the Japan international shone in possession, but Leeds did look dangerously open when Norwich countered.

Farke’s men hit back in the second half when Man of the Match Willy Gnonto teed up Largie Ramazani for his second goal in Leeds colours. Gnonto held a threat throughout the game and Leeds were on top with 20 minutes to go but when the Italian and Ramazani both went off it was Norwich who ended the game on top. Farke revealed that Ramazani was initially due to come off after 60 minutes but was kept on a little longer due to his performance.

“It was a difficult decision, we have three games in six days,” said Farke. “Our offensive players, Largie the plan was just 60 minutes but after he equalised I wanted to use his rhythm a bit and leave him a bit longer. Willy from minute 75 on the way backwards was a bit difficult. I wanted to set the sign that we need all the players who are available. It was good to give Patrick [Bamford] the first minutes, we desperately need him during the season. I wanted to bring Joel [Piroe] in, he has momentum with back-to-back goals. We have a quick turnaround for Friday [against Sunderland], it was also important. I left the players even longer than I had planned to but thank God it still paid off with a good point.”

According to Farke, Ramazani’s physical ability to withstand the intensity of the Championship is still a work in progress and with Manor Solomon and Daniel James out injured, the remaining attackers need to be protected.

“It was more or less his third start and once it's such an intense game he was struggling a bit,” said Farke. “In terms of the workload you will find at the moment not many wingers who delivere less than this distance in the whole league. I don't mean this as criticism, we have to work on his physical point. We have wingers who are out, we can't afford another injury. This was the plan, especially against Norwich, they deliver always the games with the most distance covered and distance intensity in the whole league. You need wingers who help to work back. We wanted to use his creativity and momentum to leave him as long as possible on the pitch. I’m happy he came through 70 minutes.”

As for the result, Farke saw Leeds as the side most deserving of the win but he was content with a point away from home.

“Definitely a good point on the road,” he said. “Overall it was an advertisement for the Championship, a really good game for two in-form sides, a tight game and decisive moments are always crucial. Norwich are a good side, unbeaten at home during this season, back-to-back wins, you could feel it was two in-form teams. A competitive first half. We allowed a mistake in our defending, in this one situation we allowed the winger to cut inside, were not strong enough in the duel and wrong decision to tackle in the box and the referee gave them the penalty.

“Once you're 1-0 down the whole stadium is buzzing and they play with confidence. Even in the first half we had so many good winnings of the ball but were untidy in using it, the last pass was not tidy. Willy hit the post in the first half, it was just a bit unlucky we were behind at half-time. I encouraged them to keep going, it's not the easiest time. Another important player Ilia Gruev out of the game, we played with a new centre and I have to give many compliments to my last for Ao, first game in the starting line-up and Joe Rothwell first game for ages.

“Fully deserved, well taken equaliser and we had the edge to win the game, Jayden and Brenden had great chances, I think it was a penalty on Willy Gnonto. We were really close to all three points but they are always dangerous on the counter. It was a bit like a basketball game, both could have claimed all three, I think we were a bit closer. Both can live with one point.”

Focus will now turn to Sunderland on Friday night and Gruev’s availability is the big question mark after he limped off with a knee problem. Farke said: “At least it was bad enough so he could not keep going, a knee injury. I hope it's not too bad, we have to wait for the assessment, tomorrow there will be a scan and perhaps I can tell you a bit more. At the moment it doesn't look that great.

“I'm pretty happy that Ao and Joe Rothwell stepped up. You could feel in the second half in terms of positioning, we were a bit open to control their counters and we had more transition moments. I'm happy they delivered such a strong performance, especially Ao. We have to improve our positioning a bit.”