Leeds Utd news: Daniel Farke discusses promotion, Plymouth and rumours around future

Leeds United face Plymouth on Saturday lunchtime at Home Park, with victory sealing the title ahead of Burnley.

On Thursday, Daniel Farke held his press conference ahead of the match which Sports News Blitz writer Dylan Easton watched on YouTube - and below is a breakdown of proceedings.

What it means

Kickstarting the press conference was BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope who asked, “After the scenes this week, has it heightened how much it would mean to win it [the title]?”

In response, Farke iterated that there are ’48 hours of work” and with ‘the job done’, it would be ‘the icing on the cake to win the title.’

He paid tribute to their Championship title rivals, saying: “Burnley have had a fantastic season and would also deserve to win the league.”

Going into the final game of the season, both teams are on 97 points with Leeds leading on goal difference.

On Plymouth Argyle, Farke said he ‘expects a difficult game’ with Plymouth on a good run of form - but feels Leeds have the chance to give the supporters momentum going into next season.

Adam Pope then asked: “Have you had a chance to reflect how special it would be to lift the title in front of the travelling fans?”

The German replied saying ‘it would mean a lot’ and spoke on how he has felt the occasion with the fanbase and how it has been great for them to celebrate ‘properly’.

Addressing exit rumours and injury struggles

After a lot of speculation online about the manager’s future, Adam Pope asked, “What more could you have done to prove you’re the man to take Leeds forward?”

Farke stated that “there’s always something but overall, we have had a very good season”.

He also alluded to there being numerous factors that can change a season, with luck being a key factor and it is his opinion that Leeds have conceded some unlucky goals this season.

On the topic of team selection for the weekend, Adam Pope asked, “Are you in a better shape than the other night?”

Farke gave insight on Isaac Schmidt’s omission from the squad due to a knee injury on the morning of the game that hasn’t yet settled so is a major doubt.

Junior Firpo had a light hamstring problem after the win over Bristol City and is also a doubt for the weekend.

In more positive news, Joe Rothwell is back in team training and there is a chance that he will be a part of the matchday squad to face Plymouth.

Dan James hasn’t yet trained but there is every hope he will be able to be part of the squad.

Long-standing injuries to Pascal Struijk and Sam Chambers remain the pair out for the trip down South.

Other than those mentioned, everyone else is fit to play in Leeds’ match for the title.

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Who walks away from Elland Road?

It is well known amongst supporters that certain players are out of contract at the end of the season, with Adam Pope asking, “Has anything been said about the futures of players?”

The Leeds boss was quick to say that nothing has yet been decided as there is ‘no rush’ as he is allowing ‘the dust to settle’.

He added that it is important to celebrate and there is the whole of May to finalise contracts but wants it done fast to aid planning for the upcoming season.

Finally from Adam Pope, who asked: “Has there been any meetings to discuss the Premier League?”

Farke stated that there have been ‘a few short meetings’ implying that no major discussions have yet taken place and reiterated that they will discuss next season ‘when the dust has settled’.

In addition, Farke said that he is keen to have clarity amid the new structural changes in Leeds’ hierarchy following the departure of key members of Paraag Marathe’s team.

The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth was next, asking Daniel Farke “Do you have a hands-on approach when coaching forwards?”

He replied saying he likes to give ‘a hint here or there’ but also doesn’t want to overload them with information.

He likes a striker with confidence and often ‘an arm around the shoulder’ is the best way forward for a striker.

The summer window

Graham Smyth then asked: “What are you expecting this summer?”

Farke stated that he wants a ‘top class summer’, highlighting that he aims to establish Leeds as a Premier League club.

Furthermore, he mentioned that improvements are needed amongst his staff and also at the training ground.

Isaac Johnson of Leeds Live followed up on Adam Pope’s earlier question by asking, “What would you say to those doubting you to keep Leeds up?”

Farke bluntly replied “Nothing.”

He added that he is concentrating on the task in hand and he doesn’t want to have to defend himself after such a successful season.

Farke then went on to go through his previous successful seasons as a manager - most notably at Norwich City where he was promoted twice.

He alluded to the fact that he wasn’t backed at Norwich and this summer he expects to be backed to give Leeds a real shot of staying up.

To round off the press conference, Isaac Johnson asked: “What do you envisage for Harry Gray next season?”

In response, Farke reminded everyone that Harry Gray has only played eight minutes of Championship football and just because his surname is Gray, we shouldn’t ‘get ahead of ourselves’.

Moreover, he praised Gray’s attitude and confidence but added that at times he needs to rein it in - which is all part of developing as he is only 16 years of age.

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