DANIEL Farke has stressed that Leeds United have quickly drawn a line under Saturday's comprehensive 4-0 loss to Premier League leaders Arsenal - ahead of a huge Elland Road meeting with Nottingham Forest on Friday evening.
Fifth-from-bottom Leeds, who lost for just the second time in 11 league matches, were no match for the Gunners for the second time this season, as they slumped to their heaviest home defeat since April 2023.
Chelsea's dramatic comeback victory over West Ham ensured that a bad day didn't get a whole lot worse for Leeds, whose six-point advantage over the Hammers, who occupy the final and final relegation spot, was preserved.
While disappointed by the manner of some of his side's concessions - the Leeds chief was also quick to give credit to Arsenal, who he views to be 'the best side currently in Europe.'
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (left) reacts as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on during the Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.placeholder image
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke (left) reacts as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on during the Premier League match at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
Farke, whose side were beaten at home for just the third time this term, said: "Whenever there is a loss - and also a deserved loss - it's important not to dwell on it. For that, we draw a line pretty quickly and move on.
"Our home record speaks for itself, our performances at home - also in the away games, but also especially at home - speak for themselves.
"Friday won't be an easy game and we have to prepare in the best possible way.
"We face again a side that qualified last season for Europe, has spent lots of money on the transfer market and in terms of individual quality it's definitely a really good side. We have to be at our very best to give ourselves a chance to win the next points."
Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow during the Premier League match against Arsenal at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.placeholder image
Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow during the Premier League match against Arsenal at Elland Road, Leeds. Picture: Mike Egerton/PA Wire.
Despite watching their side endure a tough afternoon, home supporters gave Leeds players generous applause at the final whistle, mindful of who they were up against and Farke was appreciative of their backing.
He added: "Big compliments to our supporters, because like us they were also disappointed. But they also felt that the quality of Arsenal was a bit too good and I think it was also an appreciation of what we've done in the last month and even the last one and a half years.
"It's a good feeling that they are also in this moment (in) having the back of my players and we have great unity throughout the club."
A gaffe from Karl Darlow, who punched the ball into his own net to make it 2-0 to Arsenal in the first half, put a Leeds goalkeeper under the microscope again, not for the first time in recent seasons.
When asked about whether he might consider strengthening his goalkeeping department further ahead of the transfer deadline, Farke remained non-committal.
The Leeds boss said: "Our board knows exactly my feelings. (But) I mentioned several times I won't speak publicly too much about my opinions because it makes the market just more difficult. Sadly, I can't answer honestly the question anyhow.
"Of course, we're always looking to improve the squad and to bring quality players in, especially on positions where we are perhaps a bit weaker anyhow.
"That's for sure, but I don't want to speak too much about this because I concentrate on the players that I have available and try to be there with the best possible decisions."