Daniel Farke can make serious Leeds United statement by weathering storm v Millwall
Daniel Farke can rubber-stamp his credentials as the manager to take Leeds United to new heights by beating Millwall on Wednesday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference before facing Millwall at the Den on 6 November, Farke was anticipating a physical, set piece-heavy battle with the South Londoners.
Millwall have become one of United’s biggest Championship rivals over time, but Farke has a chance to continue his 100 per cent record against the Lions since taking charge at Elland Road.
Farke said: “It’s always important to be mentally ready for the battle and it’s definitely one of the topics against Millwall, to be ready for the battle of defending crosses and set pieces.
“The better we are in possession and the fewer long throw-ins, corner kicks, wide free-kicks we allow, the easier our life will be.
“But when we have to defend a set piece you can’t be overly concerned. You have to know about their strengths but not be scared.”
Leeds United can continue strong form v Millwall
The Whites head to the Den having won their last three matches against Millwall, but at a stadium in which their overall record remains a poor one, Farke won’t be taking any chances.
Before last season’s 3-0 victory in September 2023, United had won just one of their last 11 trips to Bermondsey, a run stretching back to the dark days in the third tier.
Even Marcelo Bielsa’s all-conquering side could only muster one point from six available in ‘El Loco’s two Championship campaigns – and even that came via a last-minute Jack Harrison equaliser in 2018.
An intimidating atmosphere both on and off the pitch has seen United buckle under pressure for much of the last decade-and-a-half, but so far in his tenure, Farke has changed the narrative for Leeds’ fortunes.
Scoring five and yet to concede one in his two games against them as United boss, Farke seems to have Millwall’s number, and fans will be hoping for another hoodoo-breaking display on Wednesday night.
In other Leeds news, one ex-United player has given his verdict on a possible return to Elland Road for youngster Archie Gray.
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