It is very early in the season, but this Friday Leeds United have a crucial game against West Ham. The loss against Burnley has soured the mood around the team since they returned from the international break.
All the goodwill from decent performances against Bournemouth and Spurs are now irrelevant. Daniel Farke was right when he said last month that the narratives changes weekly at Elland Road. But when the Hammer visit the Stadium on Friday night, all eyes will be on Leeds to deliver a result.
Former Whites star Aidy White has already said that the game will show what Daniel Farke truly thinks about some of the players in the squad:
“And I think, going forward, the West Ham game will speak volumes in terms of his team selection, on what Daniel Farke’s mindset is with the players, and who he trusts and who he doesn’t.
“If he doesn’t make changes, I’ll be extremely surprised.”
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from?
Daniel Farke answers question about Leeds United backline
Pascal Struijk Credit: Imago
In recent games, some people around the club have noticed little errors in games. Against Bournemouth, the defence went to sleep as the Cherries equalized at the last minute from a set piece. Pascal Struijk was caught a bit flat footed when Mathys Tel darted in behind to score the first goal a few weeks ago. And just last weekend, both Struijk and Rodon were suspect as Lesley Ugochukwu was allowed to head home completely unmarked.
Daniel Farke was asked if he is considering changing the backline on Friday, and this was his response.
”We have to look into every detail. The main thing is regardless of who plays or not, we have to be more clinical and effective.
”Every player has to be a bit more focused and concentrated in decisive moments in both boxes.
”Two or three results don’t go your way, a change can change momentum.
”But not a question of who plays, it’s more like whoever plays will bring this attitude, switched on in the small details.”
Friday’s game will be pivotal
Aidy White is right, who Daniel Farke decides to go with in the lineup when they face West Ham will be very telling. Some players have not even had a chance this season, while others have been given multiple chances and have underperformed. That mixed with the injuries and illnesses in camp will raise a lot of selection dilemmas this week.
