Leeds United boss Daniel Farke explains subdued full-time body language as title party begins — YEP 3/5/25
By Graham Smyth
Whites boss Daniel Farke saw his side win the title the hard
way at Plymouth Argyle.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke was left too 'empty' by the
madness and drama of his side's final day title success to celebrate as wildly
as his players.
The Whites did it the hard way, going behind at Home Park
inside 20 minutes and needing a stoppage time winner.
Sam Byram's own goal opened the scoring during a poor first
half for the league leaders but they hit back through Willy Gnonto on 53
minutes and then won it at the death through Manor Solomon's classy finish.
The goal sparked celebrations on and off the pitch and some
trouble in the home end as Leeds fans reacted to the goal while sitting among
Pilgrims.
And the full-time whistle brought more than six added
minutes to a close to crown Leeds champions.
Farke hung back as his staff and substitutes raced onto the
pitch and then watched as they congregated in front of a delirious away end.
"First of all I was so focused to win promotion, but I
was a bit greedy in the last days - I wanted to win this title," he said.
"For everyone at the club, with supporters in the
ground. I wanted this so badly and I'm totally run out of energy right now. I
feel pretty empty, I was too tired to celebrate, the last hours were so
complicated, even the half-time talk was complicated. I wanted to be there with
the right messages and adaptations. It paid off in the end thank God."
Farke sent his congratulations to Burnley and Scott Parker,
who also finished the season on 100 points, but was delighted that his players
were able to hoist the trophy at Home Park after a 2-1 win.
"I'm happy we won and are allowed to label ourselves as
champions and to be the best team through the whole season," he said.
"A proud day, an emotionally moving day because we have
invested so much and wanted to crown ourselves with some silverware. For many
of my lads it was the first time they'd won any title, I'm very happy for them,
my staff, our supporters. It's a pretty proud day."
One of those he first sought out after the final whistle was
Joe Rodon, who appeared overcome with emotion and the two embraced for a long
time.
"Joe always looks like a warrior and he is but he's one
of the players who is pretty sensitive and emotional," said Farke.
"It means so much to him. I remember after the final
[last year] and he was so down and we spoke and said come on, use it to fuel
the fire.
“He was like boss I want to win the title so badly and to
label myself a winner. He was not really celebrating and enjoying the last days
because he was so focused.
“It was a pretty emotional moment, everything said will stay
between each other.
“He's delivered in terms of workload and minutes perhaps
like no other player in the last two years. I'm so so happy for him.
“The memories and the confidence that he can lead a group to
win the title, this will live with him for now on forever and his medal will
stay forever.
“This is more or less the proudest thing you can have as a
manager. To help young human beings to find confidence and values and something
they can lean on is one of the proudest moments. It's easy to get emotional as
a manager."