Inside Elland Road: Defensive solidity is vital for Leeds Utd
Daniel Farke was asked at his recent press conference about Leeds United's start to the Premier League season so far.
Daniel Farke has credited his Leeds United side with staying above the relegation zone so far this season, but insists now is not the time to be reflecting.
The Whites travel to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday in a key clash at the bottom of the Premier League table. However, Leeds at least have the confidence of sitting 16th, a point above the drop zone and five ahead of this weekend’s fixture.
In fact, Leeds are yet to drop into the bottom three since beginning life back in the Premier League, with victories against Everton, Wolves and West Ham helping deliver a solid start.
Daniel Farke not satisfied despite promising start
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Forest, Farke has given his players credit for staying above the relegation zone so far this season. However, he has admitted things could have been even better, pinpointing last week’s 3-0 defeat away at Brighton as a particular low point.
“We are on 11 points, we are on three wins, we are not one time yet under the line in a relegation battle, but that doesn’t mean we are happy,” Farke told reporters in his pre-match press conference.
The German added: “There are games we could have performed better, Brighton for example.”
Daniel Farke ‘not in reflection mode’
Sunday’s clash is Leeds’ last before the final international break of 2025.
For many, this feels like a natural time to reflect on the Whites’ return to the Premier League so far, which has yielded 11 points and plenty of reason for optimism.
However, Farke is in no mood to be looking back. Instead - likely aware of the gravity of Sunday’s fixture against a relegation battle rival - the former Huddersfield coach is staying focused on making the best decisions possible day by day.
“It’s so busy at the moment, I am not in reflection mode,” Farke replied when asked to look back on Leeds’ season so far.
He continued: “As a manager, you have to be there with decisions each and every day. You have to take many, many decisions and each of us are there with many wrong decisions, you just have to make sure more are positive ones.”
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What next for Leeds United?
Leeds will hope to make the most of this trip to Forest, with an incredibly tough run coming up after the international break.
The Whites return to action at home to Aston Villa, before a wretched run away at Manchester City and at home against both Chelsea and defending Premier League champions Liverpool.
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