Daniel Farke
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is contemplating changes to his starting lineup ahead of Friday’s crucial match against West Ham. The decision comes in the wake of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Burnley, where midfielder Anton Stach was criticized for his defensive lapses. With Leeds currently on a winless three-game run, Farke is under pressure to secure a positive result to avoid slipping into the relegation zone.
Farke said: “I think overall over the course of the first games, he has delivered really good performances. A top signing and a key player for us. I would agree that over the past two games, he has not been at the top, top level that he’s shown before. It was a bit to do with him playing with a broken finger. He had a problem with his body, so if you have two or three problems as a player, sometimes you are more concentrated on yourself than to play with freedom and to enjoy yourself. I think you could tell this in the last few games for him. They were not poor performances but perhaps not on a top level like he was before. I think it will be important for him to get rid of this physical problem with his finger and ribs. As soon as he is back to top physical fitness, he will then hopefully keep going and deliver top performances. This week of having time to recover was beneficial to him. And I hope he can step up a little bit.”
Stach’s recent performances have been under scrutiny, particularly after failing to track Burnley’s Lesley Ugochukwu for the opening goal and showing a lack of intensity during Loum Tchaouna’s long-range strike. Despite these criticisms, Farke has acknowledged Stach’s overall contribution to the team since his arrival, highlighting his potential once he overcomes his physical issues.
Leeds United’s attacking inefficiency has also been a concern, as demonstrated by their 19 shots against Burnley with only four on target. Farke emphasized the need for his team to be more clinical in front of goal, a focus area in their training sessions. The manager remains optimistic about his team’s overall play, noting their dominance in several matches, albeit without the desired effectiveness.
In addition to Stach’s situation, Leeds faces other challenges with injuries and fitness. Wilfried Gnonto underwent minor hernia surgery during the international break, while Noah Okafor has been dealing with adductor issues. Ethan Ampadu and Pascal Struijk missed training due to illness, although the return of 17-year-old Harry Gray from a hip flexor issue provides a boost, especially after signing his first professional contract.
As Leeds United prepares for their encounter with West Ham, Farke’s tactical decisions could prove pivotal in reversing their fortunes and steering the team away from the relegation zone.
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