Barnsley's promising turnaround, Steel City derby analysis and Leeds United's growing concerns - The YP FootballTalk Podcast
Daniel Farke likes to give the impression that the pressures of managing Leeds United are water off a duck's back, the price on the ticket, and the odd tetchy moment in recent press conferences apart, that seems to be the case.
Farke insists he likes it that way – or at least that if there has to be pressure, it is on him, not his players. He is certainly getting his wish, with supporters and pundits questioning his tactics, his selections and his mindset after five defeats in six games dropped the Whites into the relegation zone for the first time this season last weekend.
"When you work at the levels I have," says the former Borussia Monchengladbach and Norwich City manager, "you get used to pressure, you get used to outside noise.
"At the beginning of my managerial career if there was a headline or some criticism I wanted to put it right that moment. Now to say I don't take it seriously would be too disrespectful but it doesn't bother me, it doesn't affect me any more.
"I know exactly how this business works and when you have a period of poor results there's lots of outside noise, lots of ideas and pressure, (discussions about) what you're capable or not capable of. It doesn't affect what I think about football, how I work, what I do, not at all."
The best way to muffle the noise would be to beat City. It could happen – Newcastle United and Bayer Leverkusen did it in their last two matches – but the odds are not in their favour against a wounded tiger, especially a fresh one after ten players were rested on Tuesday.
UNDER PRESSURE: Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (left) with Pascal Struijk (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)placeholder image
UNDER PRESSURE: Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (left) with Pascal Struijk (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Failing that, he has to try to pass on his experience to younger, more impressionable minds.
Longstaff played for Newcastle United before the Saudi takeover when a big, one-club city team was in a Premier League relegation battle, feeling how much it hurt the locals, him included. It makes his absence even more keenly felt.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has felt that heat at Everton, Pascal Struijk at Leeds. So have Daniel James, Brenden Aaronson, Jack Harrison and Wilfried Gnonto but at most a couple are likely to be on the pitch at the same time.
Most if not all of the rest need Farke's help, even those who have played for big clubs in other leagues.
VALUBALE EXPERIENCE: But Sean Longstaff (left) is unlikely to play again this year (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)placeholder image
VALUBALE EXPERIENCE: But Sean Longstaff (left) is unlikely to play again this year (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
"That's challenging," he admits. "This is why we wanted players who had this experience at the top level.
"But for players who come from the Bundesliga, from Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1 to England, to the Premier League and experience how much attention is on this league, the best league in the world, worldwide it's a different level.
"I can show videos and explain how Leeds United works, how big and how passionate this club, how exciting this club is and special and unique.
"But you just experience it when you wear the shirt.
FELT THE HEAT: Dominic Calvert-Lewin was in relegation battles with Everton (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)placeholder image
FELT THE HEAT: Dominic Calvert-Lewin was in relegation battles with Everton (Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)
"You feel how second to none it is once you win a home game at Elland Road. It's the best experience you can have in your life as a footballer – I guarantee you, it can't be better if you win the Champions League.
"But also how difficult it is, pressure-wise, once you lose a game for this club.
"You can speak about it, prepare, show videos, which we've done, but it only comes by experience.
"Quite often it (the adjustment) lasts a little bit for new signings so I'm very happy that a player like Anton Stach, for example, has adapted to this very quickly but there are other players who perhaps need a bit more time."
Players who have been there and done it in the Premier League either come at a high premium – like Longstaff, damaged – like Calvert-Lewin, or on the downward slope.
Jaka Bijol – who counts CSKA Moscow and Udinese on his CV – and former Lyon and Botafogo goalkeeper Lucas Perri eem to be taking time to adjust; Sebastiaan Bornauw (ex-Anderlecht, amongst others) is still to kick a ball in the Premier League.
NEEDING PATIENCE: Jaka Bijol (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
NEEDING PATIENCE: Jaka Bijol (Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
"Some players are used to English football after a few weeks and some need a few months or half a season," reflects Farke. "You see this with other sides.
"I'm never too strict to judge a player that we've signed too early – after a few weeks or a few months. Sometimes you need a bit of time.
"My job is quite often once they experience the more difficult times after results to calm them down, to give them some trust, to give them some backing.
"t doesn't mean I can play a player every game until he is in his best rhythm, it's still professional football, he has to deal with it.
"But also I try to give him assurance and confidence."
What they really need is a win. If only that was straight-forward.