Leeds United play ‘dangerous game’ by doing what Pep Guardiola likes to do
Ian Darke has compared Daniel Farke’s Leeds United squad to how Pep Guardiola prefers to operate with Manchester City.
Leeds are working with a 23-man squad – the smallest in the Championship this season – and the decorated Man City boss has previously stated he prefers not to have a bloated roster at his disposal.
TNT Sports commentator Darke makes reference to that as he discusses the positives of Farke’s risky predicament, which could unravel if injuries occur.
Darke, exclusively speaking to MOT Leeds News, said: “You are playing a little bit of a dangerous game with 23, but the other argument is that it’s easier to keep a smaller squad happy.
“Pep Guardiola says he prefers working with a smaller squad, and with Leeds United they still have a lot of quality despite losing some of their better players in the summer.
“Everybody’s involved nearly every weekend, and everyone’s in on the project – that’s the advantage Daniel Farke has without too many players necessarily to pick from. I still expect them to be challenging right up near the top with the players they have.”
Leeds United retain plenty of quality
Despite not being too blessed with options beyond a gifted substitutes’ bench featuring internationals, it’s that exact kind of quality that Farke will be relying upon.
A touch of luck regarding fitness and injury concerns wouldn’t go amiss, either – Leeds on song are hard to look past as title favourites come May.
The latter stages of the transfer window did threaten to invite crisis mode to Elland Road, with the club missing out on several key targets, but numerous faces were eventually brought in with a view to integrating them into the side long-term.
One in particular of the late arrivals, Manor Solomon, has acclimatised immediately and has been used to the maximum by Farke since joining on loan from Tottenham, with whom the club have good relations from the Archie Gray and Joe Rodon deals.
While an injury crisis would spell trouble for the Whites, Farke at least for now has some supremely talented options for the Championship ahead of a crucial promotion push.
In other Leeds news, debate on whether Joel Piroe should be brought back into the side.
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