Portsmouth v Leeds United: Daniel Farke press conference recap with Bamford, Joseph, Ampadu, Wober injury latest — YEP 7/3/25
By Lee Sobot
Leeds United face the long trip to Portsmouth this weekend
for a Championship Sunday lunchtime kick-off at Fratton Park, ahead of which
Whites boss Daniel Farke is holding his pre-match press conference today.
The fixture has been moved to a very unpopular 12 noon
kick-off time in order to be broadcast on Sky Sports, presenting an away travel
nightmare. Leeds will be playing after key automatic promotion rivals Sheffield
United and Burnley who both have Saturday afternoon fixtures in which they
could close right up on Farke’s table-topping Whites.
Third-placed Burnley closed to within five points of Leeds
through Tuesday night’s 2-1 win at Cardiff City and Scott Parker’s Clarets can
get to within two points of Farke’s Whites with a victory from Saturday’s
hosting of Luton Town. Second-placed Sheffield United, meanwhile, will draw
level on points with Leeds with a win from their Saturday afternoon visit of
Preston North End to Bramall Lane.
The Sunday high noon showdown at Fratton Park will then
present a Leeds game in hand. Farke had three players out injured for last
weekend’s hosting of West Brom for which captain Ethan Ampadu, Max Wober and
Patrick Bamford were out. Ampadu and Wober are not expected back until after
the international break but the picture with Bamford remains unclear as he
battles a hamstring injury.
Young striker Mateo Joseph then rolled his ankle during the
1-1 draw against the Baggies, albeit he managed to complete the rest of the
match. Joe Rodon’s foot also went beneath him in the closing stages although
Farke declared post-match that Rodon just had cramp. He did, though, admit
there were now a few concerns over Joseph’s ankle which would need to be
assessed.
Ahead of the hugely important clash at Pompey, Farke will be
speaking to the media at 1.30pm from Thorp Arch and we will bring you all of
the main news here with updates on Bamford, Ampadu, Wober, Joseph and Rodon all
likely.
For Daniel Farke at Thorp Arch, injuries latest top of the
list, expect the usual not interested in personal awards take on the manger of
the month award - that the only prize he wants is promotion in May (but that
the awards are good recognition that Leeds are doing lots of things right).
Here we go
Farke takes his seat
On his award
“Manager of the year would not be bad, but of course I take
it, it’s reward for the whole group, an excellent February. But it’s football,
it’s not just about one month, the focus is already on the next games.”
What do with the awards?
“They are in the cupboard I don’t see them that often, of
course I clean them, I don’t sit there and stare at them, perhaps one day with
a glass of wine by the fire.”
On James
“He is excellent, an outstanding performer, it is difficult
to compare who is the best player in the Championship but he is right up there,
a very good player, he fully deserves to be in the spotlight. All credit goes
to him and his hard work and his dedication, Daniel is an outstanding player,
special with his skills but also his personality, and unbelievably great lad.
He is still up the hill, not down the hill, he is always working hard to
improve. He has to keep going, he has proven he is one of the best at this
level and now it is to get a promotion under your belt, he has a chance.”
Injuries
“Good news, more or less everyone who was available for the
last game is available again, good news, all were able to recover, Good news
with Patrick Bamford he was part integrated into team training this week, it
will be a while until he is a topic for games but he was able to handle the
load, also the rehab of Ampadu and Wober is going well, we are hoping the other
side of the March international break. With Max it is pretty clear it will work
out, for Ethan there is still a chance he may need surgery but it is looking
good at the moment, making good progress.”
On Pompey
“Well done to them, they have dealt with setbacks and
injuries, for a newly promoted side to be 8 points clear of the relegation zone
is impressive, their home record is good. They drew against us and Burnley, we
know it is dangerous side and they will try and use the excited home crowd,
they probably need to win more 2 games to stay in this league and they want to
do this as quickly as possible. I expect a tough game and a physical game. I
expect a pragmatic Portsmouth side, we need to be ready for battles at times
and we need to have answers for the physicality. When we have the ball we need
to find good solutions against a compact side.”
Any time off for players?
“Monday and Tuesday was relax it is important to calm the
load down. It was important to let them recharge and reset. Then back to it. I
hope we found a good mix.”
Is it easier now with the time off? Trusting the players
“Sometimes it is necessary, you need also to let them have a
day off instead of always pushing pushing pushing. I am mindful that they use
days off in s sensible way, that they don’t travel 24 hours to somewhere with a
different climate. They are mature and adults and don’t need me to look after
them like in a nursery, it is important for them to be themselves.”
On Joseph
“In general the attitude to come on and use every single
second, not just Mateo but all the offensive players. He puts in all the energy
and invests a lot and then automatically goals and assists will come your way.
It dipped a little bit and we spoke about this. When you don’t think too much
about the goals and assists it will come automatically. In the last weeks I
have been pleased with his workload and his impact. The goal of Piroe at
Bramall Lane, it was the run of Mateo that created the space.”
On keeping unused subs happy
“I can’t keep them happy because each player is only happy
when they are playing. But I have mentioned I am not here to win the Nobel
Peace Prize. We are not robots. I know how desperate the players are to help
the team but what I love about my group is that sometimes the players on the
bench celebrate even more than the players on the pitch. They are not thinking
just about themselves, they are thinking about the group, players like Willy.
There comes a moment and then there is the chance to use that. The spirit and
vibe in this group is second to none.
Past lessons that you can take?
“I think experience is very important, thank God 7 or 8
times I was allowed to fight for a title or promotion and 5 times I have done
this, But 2 times in Germany not and even in these experiences you learn
something. There is no time for arrogance or confidence, it’s always what can
you do better. I think sometimes it is important out of disappointment to take
motivation. Stick together. The disappointment you don’t want to have again,
but also take the good moments, a few of us know how good it feels to win a
title and be on the open bus tour, both situations are important, you want to
have this winning feeling back.”