Daniel Farke and Co. face Sheffield United at home in one of the most anticipated Yorkshire derbies. This will be a crucial clash for Leeds United as they’ll hope to equal The Blades in terms of points.
Following a busy international break, Farke is a bit concerned with the scheduling after the international break. One of the most important clashes of the season after the break certainly isn’t what the German wished for before the season started.
The Whites’ failure to win promotion last season has prompted the German gaffer to finish top two this season. Leeds United aren’t keen on taking the play-off gamble like last season and would want to ensure a smooth promotion.
Although standing fifth currently, The 49ers are just three points away from the top. The opening of The Championship has proven to be a fierce battle this season and Daniel Farke will hope to move up directly with a top-two finish.
The manager’s concern also stems from the fact that four Leeds players were a part of the busy international break. Ao Tanaka, Junior Firpo, Brenden Aaronson and Willy Gnonto served their respective nations in the October international break.
QUIZ: Can you name these past and present Leeds United players?
“I’m struggling to understand the fixture list” – Daniel Farke
Maximilian Wöber won’t be playing the clash against Sheffield United
With four players coming in with quite the toll, Farke is evidently concerned with the scheduling. The manager mentioned that there were late arrivals and that the full team had only had one training session together after the break.
It’s always tricky during the international break for a team with so many players away. I’m struggling to understand the fixture list, playing on Friday night after the international break.
We have players who arrive late today. When we play on Saturday, you have at least one training session with the team.
-Daniel Farke via BBC Radio Leeds
The gaffer further added that he was “disappointed and sad” because of the importance of the fixture. Sheffield United is both a derby and promotion rival and Farke will be hoping to dominate the clash to switch the waves in the promotion race.
It is a bit disappointing and sad because [Sheffield United] is a great game. It is a bit tricky to prepare without team training, but we want to find good solutions.
-Daniel Farke via BBC Radio Leeds
The added injury crisis will be another concern for Daniel Farke. Apart from long-term injury hit Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu, defender Maximilian Wöber will miss today’s clash as he recovers from a knee injury.
