The Leeds United ace had been a regular starter during the first part of the season - but feels like his removal was the right call
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:34, 04 Nov 2025
Ao Tanaka has been replaced Anton Stach for the last two matches
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Ao Tanaka has been replaced Anton Stach for the last two matches(Image: Tim Clayton/Getty Images)
Anton Stach agrees that Daniel Farke was right to drop him for the past two Leeds United games, stating he feels the break has benefitted him.
The midfielder says his broken rib injury sustained against Tottenham Hotspur impacted his ability to perform well afterwards, including in the 2-0 defeat to Burnley. The German lost goalscorer Lesley Ugochukwu for the first goal and was criticised for being slow to run back for Loum Tchaouna’s thunderous second.
Ahead of United’s home win over West Ham United, Farke admitted Stach had not been at his former levels in his recent starts and revealed the summer signing’s rib issue for the first time.
Stach was ultimately dropped against the Hammers and also started on the bench against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. The player says he will back up to full fitness with another few training sessions this week.
Speaking to Kicker, Stach explained: “After breaking my little finger, I also broke a rib against Tottenham. I initially tried to keep playing. But you definitely feel an injury like that.
“For me, it was mostly a mental thing, because I automatically held back in challenges. The coaching staff still wanted me on the bench to support the team.
“The break did me good, and I got better day by day. Now I need a few training sessions to get used to the intensity again; especially in midfield, you have a lot of challenges, and elbows can come in quickly.”
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Stach was top of Farke’s midfield transfer list this summer and the manager was delighted to acquire his services. Up until the Burnley match, he had begun every Premier League game.
All the while, Stach has had to get used to the pace of the Premier League, being seen on his haunches against Arsenal on the first away day in August. Farke requires his players to be fit, something that Stach reflected in further comments.
He added: “Our team is very fit, and the preseason was correspondingly tough. I think this approach is great because it suits us well.
“We have a lot of quality on the ball. We’re implementing it better and better. We’re realising we can absolutely compete in this league, which gives us confidence. I feel completely comfortable. We’re very flexible in midfield anyway, which suits me.”
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