Leeds United have suffered a couple of brutal results this season. This is to be expected as the Whites returned to the top flight for the first time since 2023.
Leeds had a positive start to their season, beating Everton in the opener in front of their home crowd. That result sent shockwaves across the league, showing that the Whites would not be pushovers this year. Daniel Farke’s side have gone on to get great results against Newcastle, Wolves and Bournemouth.
But some of the bad games have been really bad for Leeds. They lost to Fulham last month courtesy of an unexpected own goal from Gabriel Gudmundsson. And just last weekend, the Whites suffered their most shocking defeat so far, losing to Burnley side that had just four points this campaign.
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from?
Leeds United boss reveals conversation with Pep Guardiola
Daniel Farke Credit: Imago
By far the most embarrassing loss Leeds have faced so far was when they visited the Emirates early in the season. Mikel Arteta’s side truly punished the Whites, thumping them by five goals. What followed after the game might be the most interesting part about the match. Daniel Farke revealed that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gave him a call to discuss how to play against Arsenal:
“Last time he called, he wanted to chat about Arsenal before his team played them. We’d just lost 5–0. What was I supposed to tell him? How to play against Arsenal? No one knows Mikel better than you.”
The Leeds boss then spoke about how it was an honour to be held in that regard.
“When you get that kind of appreciation from the best in your field, it’s always a good feeling. But I don’t like talking about it publicly, because it can sound like I’m fishing for compliments,”
“I don’t feel like just because I sometimes talk with Pep, Thomas, or Jürgen Klopp, that makes me a top coach. It’s more that they see something in the football we play – and that’s what really matters.”
Manchester City got a draw when they faced Arsenal, after Pep Guardiola’s call.
All focus on Friday
Hopefully Daniel Farke has a blueprint for the West Ham game on Friday. It is early in the season, but the result will be important as the year goes on. The Hammers are winless under Nuno Espirito Santo and will also be looking to make their mark when they visit Elland Road.
