Sheffield United, Leeds United and FA Cup - The YP FootballTalk Podcast
Daniel Farke says he expects Leeds United to be in the Premier League relegation zone at some point this season, but he and his players will not panic if they are.
Regardless of what happens at Nottingham Forest on Sunday the Whites will make it through to November’s international break without having spent a day in the bottom three – a considerable achievement for a newly-promoted side after the dismal performances by those who have come up from the Championship in the last two seasons.
It is why Farke says he and his players are not reading too much into having stayed above the dotted line in the first 10 games.
"It's good but it's not a problem," he commented.
"There will never be a case with this group of players that at some point we cannot be one point below the line. Not that we want it, I would rather be in the Champions League positions.
"But it will not be the case that during the whole season where we are never in danger.
"If it works like this it will be dreamland. Sometimes dreamland is possible.
CALM: Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)placeholder image
CALM: Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (Image: Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
"Before the season I would have expected periods when we were below the line.
"It's good that so far we have been over the point (per game) average and over the (relegation) line but our mindset won't change if there is a point where we are below our average or below the line.
"Of course the outside world will panic but I am convinced with this group our mentality won't change."
Leeds have a doubt over striker Domnic Calvert-Lewin for Sunday's game against a Forest team still mired in the bottom three, but can confidently select Willy Gnonto if Farke feels he is their best option out wide.
INJURY DOUBT: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)placeholder image
INJURY DOUBT: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Calvert-Lewin has an adductor strain, but Farke was refusing to say if he will feature at the City Ground.
"We'll make a late call," he said. "He's progressing well, but has not been in team training yet.
"We won't take any risks, so it will be a late decision if he travels with us or not.
"This is a little question mark behind Sebastiaan Bornauw. He got hit against his MCL this week and missed training, but all the others are fine.
"Willy has been back in team training for two full weeks. He's growing every day. He's available and ready for selection."