Daniel Farke’s Leeds United side showed how tough they are on Saturday despite the 2-1 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Leeds threatened a huge upset when James Justin struck in the second half to put them ahead. However, Arsenal showed why they are the champions by turning the screws and getting the three points at the end.
Even in defeat, Leeds showed they are going to be a tough side to beat, and the performance was a far cry from their 5-0 surrender at Arsenal last season.
Farke has made Leed a hard nut to crack at home or away this season, and most analysts now tip them for a top-half finish in the Premier League.
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Pep Guardiola claim made while discussing Leeds
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole believes the current Leeds team and how they play align with the traditions of the Yorkshire giants.
He stressed that Pep Guardiola would never go to Leeds and play his brand of football. The former midfielder feels Leeds were known for hard, tough football in the 1970s, and that suits them and what their fans enjoy watching.
“The personnel Leeds have now, and the recruitment they have made, suit them”, Cole said on TNT Sports.
“I think it suits the identity of the club. You look at Leeds, and it has always been a tough club.
“You look at that great Leeds side in the 1970s, that was a tough team.
“When you play a certain style of football that is in keeping with the way people see you, then there is a synergy with the fans and a connection with the players. I think they have that momentum.
“You won’t ever get a Pep Guardiola going to Leeds and wanting to pop it out from the back and play nice little tiki-taka football.
“I think pacey, quick, strong, rock and roll football is their way. I think it suits Leeds, it suits the city, the club, and everything is going well for them at the moment.”
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Daniel Farke has tapped into Leeds United’s tradition
Daniel Farke is building a Leeds United side that feels increasingly connected to the club’s identity. Leeds have always been about intensity, commitment and taking the fight to their opponents, regardless of reputation or resources.
Encouraging signs suggest those values are returning. Even against Arsenal, Leeds showed they were willing to compete rather than simply sit back and hope to survive. They ultimately lost, but the attitude was right.
Farke still has plenty of work to do, but he seems to understand what it means to play for Leeds. If he can marry that spirit with consistent results, he could build a team supporters genuinely recognise as their own.
