The pressure is beginning to pile up on Daniel Farke as Leeds United manager after three defeats in the last four Premier League games, but Dietmar Hamann has leapt to Farke’s defence.
Saturday’s loss to Brighton was arguably the worst result of the season. Of course, not the biggest, but Leeds were always expected to be beaten by Arsenal at The Emirates. Arsenal are favourites for the title.
There was some hope that, despite a dismal record at The Amex, Leeds might be able to get something against Georginio Rutter’s side. But there was a catalogue of mistakes, and it resulted in a 3-0 hammering.
Sunday sees Leeds face another away test, this time against an improving Nottingham Forest under Sean Dyche. Farke needs a result to relieve some pressure and yet, Hamann has praised the Leeds manager.
Daniel Farke looking dejected during a Premier League clash between Liverpool and Norwich
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Leeds boss Daniel Farke is being more pragmatic than ever
According to Hamann, Farke has attempted to alter his style of football more than ever in a bid to keep Leeds in the Premier League. Speaking to The Football Blog, Hamann says he’s never seen Farke do this.
He also praised his fellow countryman for his work in the transfer window, stating he liked the look of this Leeds side and picked out Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Anton Stach as impressive buys in the summer.
Dietmar Hamann on punditry duty.
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“With Calvert-Lewin, he obviously knows that physicality is a big thing in the Premier League. It was in the Championship. He’s always been very pragmatic. Even now, I think he’s even a touch more pragmatic.
“He sees that you need to cover certain bases to get results. I really like what they do. I like that team. Anton Stach who came from Hoffenheim, he’s doing well. Obviously, he didn’t play on the weekend.
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“He’s a very smart manager. One of his biggest strengths is the way he adapts to situations. This is why I give Leeds a very good chance to stay up this season. If they do that, Farke deserves enormous credit.”
Leeds United v Bournemouth - Premier League
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Leeds United fans won’t agree with Hamann after Brighton defeat
There is pragmatism, and then there is playing into an opponent’s hands. On Saturday, Leeds did just that in their defeat to Brighton. Playing out from the back against a side that presses superbly ended badly.
As you would expect. If there was one game this season to go direct to Calvert-Lewin and get bodies around the England international, it was Brighton away. Adam Pope noticed Lucas Perri giving it away.
Unnecessary passes out, one that went out of play and another into Ethan Ampadu that almost saw Leeds concede. Hamann might say Farke is pragmatic, but on Saturday, more pragmatism was required.