Leeds United are coming off a 1-0 loss to promotional rival Burnley, dropping them outside the top six. Nonetheless, manager Daniel Farke highlighted the positives in this match, which he spotlighted during his press conference on Thursday.
Before the international break, the Whites were on a strong run, going unbeaten in their first four games with two wins and two draws. With both teams keen to keep up their push for automatic promotion, this game was crucial for Burnley and Leeds.
In a tightly contested match, the only goal came in the 18th minute, when Luca Koleosho took advantage of a defensive mishap to put Burnley ahead. They held onto that lead for the remainder of the game.
Daniel Farke: Defending isn’t Leeds’ problem
Nonetheless, Leeds dropping points either through draws or losses isn’t because of their defending. The unit has performed well so far, recording three clean sheets in five league matches.
Even though Burnley benefitted from a defensive error, Farke wanted to make it clear that Leeds being in ninth place isn’t because of they’re defending since the unit has been arguably the best about the squad so far this season.
“In the last four games, we have conceded one goal, like I mentioned, out of the corner for us,” Farke said. “Good defensive behavior. When I have a look [at] the physical statistic, we are there with the highest sprint distance in the whole league.
“We are there with the third-highest amount of total distance. So from the physical point of view, we are top fit and you can’t question the mentality. The lads are giving their everything. Totally happy with this.”
“No flag in the wind.”
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is sticking to his principles.#LUFC | #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/jwzHAqikgF
— BBC Sport West Yorkshire (@BBCWYS) September 19, 2024
Despite being at the bottom of the Championship table, Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut and his team remain optimistic. The manager believes in his squad, pointing out that they’ve been creating scoring opportunities, even if they’re not seeing the results just yet.
“We have to be realistic; the opponents against us, what they create has not been better than us, aside from against Burnley,” Bulut said.
“All of the other games, we had enough chances to lead the game or win, but football is like this. When opponents score and we don’t, and the results are how they have been, then you get pressure.”
