Stach did not have his best game before the goal but covered for that with his fantastic winner
Anton Stach of Leeds United celebrates scoring
Anton Stach of Leeds United celebrates scoring (Image: Getty Images)
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Daniel Farke says he was thinking about taking Anton Stach off before the midfielder struck home his 88th-minute free-kick winner against Nottingham Forest.
Stach has now scored four direct free-kicks since arriving at Leeds United last summer and his latest saw the Whites to an opening 1-0 win - the first time they have won a game when playing away on the first day of the Premier League season since 1996.
Stach suffered an ankle injury on the final home game of the last campaign and told Leeds Live earlier this month that this impacted his rhythm heading into pre-season. And it was in part for this reason why Farke considered taking him off.
The manager explained: “I was thinking about it because he had also not had the easiest pre-season due to his injury on the last [home] game day of last season. He was struggling a bit and perhaps the first weeks of pre-season were not so impressive.
“But he was way better the last 10 days, and so I was sure 65 minutes he could perhaps play. But then I was also thinking if I should take him off.
"I think it was sometimes perhaps not his most tidiest game today, but he also brings a physicality and defensive awareness and strength with his capability to recover balls and win the ball back.
“So we didn't want to lose it during the game, and yeah, in addition to that, he always has a moment of magic when he can influence our offensive game. I think that was the right decision also to keep him on the pitch.”
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The mood in the away end was wholly different to that of 10 months ago at the City Ground, when a 3-1 defeat had Leeds supporters gesticulating to the players amid worry about the direction of the team after four defeats in five. On Saturday, there was a party atmosphere in among the visiting support.
On the game itself, Farke added: “I'm very happy. So, there couldn't be a better way to start the season. So, the first game, the first three points, especially away win at a very, very difficult ground in a very competitive and tight game.
“Also, first clean sheet under our belt with several new signings on the pitch. So could be could be much better. Like expected, it was a tight game. I think it was a game of different periods.
“We started perhaps a bit on the front foot. Then Nottingham had a good period. I think both teams had situations and periods when they put pressure on the opponents. Both teams defended well, so out of the game, out of open play, there were too many situations.
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“But the transition moments and of course the set piece were always dangerous. You always had to be spot on, yes, and I think the reason that we won this game was that we defended in the end each of the situations really, really well.
“Then when it was necessary to block the strike or to disturb the header, and on the other end we had the moment of brilliance of Anton Stach, who converted the one set piece situation also with a brilliant strike, and with a decisive goal.”
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