The Leeds United manager says 'embodies' the club's mantra in 'the perfect way'
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
15:33, 16 Apr 2026
Noah Okafor was the hero of Old Trafford on Monday
View Image
Noah Okafor was the hero of Old Trafford on Monday(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Daniel Farke says he is impressed with how Noah Okafor has learned and developed at Leeds United, hailing his attitude despite hearing contrary rumours before he signed.
The winger wrote his name into club history with his double in Monday’s 2-1 win over Manchester United, the first away league win at Old Trafford since 1981. His brace now means the Swiss winger has four goals in as many Premier League games.
Okafor - who was called up to the Switzerland squad for the first time in 16 months during the March international break, ending a long-term rift with boss Murat Yakin - cost £18million from AC Milan this summer and took time to adapt to the league.
The attacker was criticised for poor decision-making at times, with lament over his defensive work. However, Farke says he has improved in both areas, also paying testament to his character, having rekindled his relationship with the national team boss.
Leeds United's 2025/26 shirts now £25
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£70
£25
Fanatics
Buy Now on Fanatics
Leeds United have is offering this season's home, away and third adult jerseys for £25 ahead of their trip to Wembley FA Cup semi-final.
“Noah, he's not blood-young anymore, but he’s still a young player. And I think you can also see during our time here, he is also maturing and learning from perhaps situations in the past,” said Farke.
“I'm quite delighted. I think it's no coincidence that he is more or less back in the Switzerland squad. He has shown reaction to what perhaps has happened in the past. Also the conversations with the key people in Switzerland were also crucial for him.
“And I think this was also helpful for him to know which mindset is needed in order to shine. Our mantra, to think more about the side than about himself, is quite important. I would label Noah, really, as a player who embodies this in a perfect way.”
Farke explained how he had known about rumours of his temperament before he signed in the summer but says these were unfounded given what he has seen from himself.
Farke added: “I know there were some rumours before we signed him that he could sometimes be a bit difficult. But I can't give it in this way. I think from the first day he walked in, he was excellent. Top character.
“Of course, we spoke about a few things, what we want to have but he has also adapted to the demands that we have, to our principles and to our rules, and there are no complaints at all. I think out of this, he has then perhaps also tried to improve, more or less, his general attitude.
“And I think it's no coincidence that he had a call back to Switzerland, and he has a chance right now to be with him also in the summer. And yeah, for that, I'm delighted for him, and I can't complain at all about his behaviour.
“I think there is still room for improvement in his all-around game but you have to say, even what he has done during the season, how he's developed, I think it's quite impressive."
Farke continued "We encourage him and also show him the triggers when to be there in this in this [scoring] moment. But we also want to see the other side of his of his game, and we have really happy with how he's performing at the moment.
"It's important also for him to stay hungry and not like to think after such a such a game 'ok right now, I've reached the top level, and everything is easy'.
Article continues below
"He needs to stay humble and and get to set down and keeps working, because there's still lots to improve also in this game."
FOLLOW OUR LUFC FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news, analysis and more on our Leeds United FB page