Leeds United face Burnley as the players return after a tiring October international break. However, the Whites will quickly need to change their mindset with an important clash ahead.
Wales faced two losses in a row as the Dragons conceded seven against England and Belgium combined. Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon were all part of the group and will now need to regroup.
Ao Tanaka was on the good side of luck, though, as Japan won 3-2 against Brazil, the two arguably being among the most talented teams in world football right now.
Swede Gabriel Gudmundsson suffered losses against Kosovo and Switzerland as the national team manager, Jon Dahl Tomasson faced a sacking.
Jaka Bijol helped Slovenia to a draw against the same opponents as Gudmunsson. Ilia Gruev played a part as Bulgaria faced a thrashing at the hands of Spain and Turkey.
Daniel Farke speaks before Leeds vs Burnley
Ao Tanaka was the only winner in the October international break (Credits: Imago Images)
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke did speak of the effects of the break that carry on to club football. The German gaffer talked about how tricky it is to set up players after such disappointing national team results.
“Of course, it’s always tricky. They’re involved in many disappointing results – for example, Ilia Gruev had a big defeat against Turkey while Gaby Gudmundsson’s manager was sacked.”
“Sweden’s qualification for the World Cup is now in doubt, and it’s difficult – the Wales results were not that great. To represent your country is the proudest thing that you can do, and it’s also a dream to be involved in a World Cup.”
“They come back on Thursday or are perhaps back in team training on Friday, and I tell them, ‘ Listen, by the way, tomorrow is the most important game in the world and it’s a must-win game and the only thing that matters. ‘”
It’s all part of football
The Whites manager also mentioned that this is what the players sign up for. However, the manager doesn’t seem very worried, considering the experience of the squad.
“It’s difficult for the players, you had Ao travelling around the world and beating Brazil. Then it’s like ‘okay, we have to step up to beat Burnley’.”
“It’s difficult, but this is why they sign professional contracts and earn proper money, so I don’t think we have to have too much sympathy”
“It’s perhaps more tricky for a player called up for the first time with this emotion, but players like Ethan and Joe Rodon are used to it.”
