Standing 5th in the league, Leeds United and Daniel Farke have had a mixed season in the Championship so far. This is far from The 49ers’ target of placing themselves for direct promotion this season.
On top of what might end up as last season’s repeat, The Whites are in a stringent position with an injury crisis. Four players, Maximilian Wöber, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Daniel James, are currently recovering at the hospital.
We can’t afford another injury because the squad is a bit thin in certain positions.
-Daniel Farke
Before the game against Sunderland, club manager Daniel Farke agreed that the situation looked grim at Elland Road. One wrong move might end up deciding Leeds United’s fate this season.
All hope is not lost though as the vastly experienced German Gaffer looks hopeful and confident. Farke commented on the unusuality of the situation of a three-game week which seems “special” even for the Championship.
It is always a tricky period but I am used to it.
We will have played three games in six days which even for the Championship is special.
-Daniel Farke
Ilia Gruev is the latest on the list who picked up a serious meniscus injury against Norwich City. The Bulgarian is supposed to undergo surgery and will be out for several months.
Daniel Farke persists with a focus on adapting
Daniel Farke against Norwich City
A busy week has forced Daniel Farke to reconsider his plans. The management has now increased efforts in taking care of the players.
Farke has also mentioned his preference for a minute-sharing strategy on busy weeks. The German manager emphasized that playing the same 11 players “would send out the wrong sign” to the non-regulars.
Of course you have to adapt a little bit to the situation and that is why we opt to share the minutes a little bit when you have these three games.
If we just played with the same 11 players then it would send out the wrong sign to all of the players because we do need them.
-Daniel Farke
Because a crisis has already started, Daniel Farke also claimed that some players will have to aim for starting all three games. A special focus will be on these players as the management will aim to sustain their performances in the long term.
When you have a lot of injuries you also monitor the players a little bit more but some players will have to come in and aim to play all three games in the week.
We are looking at what we can do to support their rehabilitation, nutrition and sleep as that is really important.
-Daniel Farke
