Leeds United: Pundit thrilled as Daniel Farke makes decision on Joe Gelhardt
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Daniel Farke has proved the “reason” why he was hired as early signs show the potential for better things to come, according to Paul Robinson.
Significant pressure was part of the deal when Farke took the job, but despite an inconsistent start to the season, the signs are there that significant progress is being made.
Disappointment over their early exit in the EFL Cup to Salford on penalties will still be hurting the squad, but even in defeat, they proved they could create a host of chances, with 33 shots and 71% possession.
With injuries still to return to the side and new signings yet to fully bed in, Robinson claims that the early signs show Farke was the right man to take the hot seat and achieve Leeds United’s ultimate aim: promotion back to the Premier League.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “Farke has a track record of making teams better and making players better, but at other clubs, it hasn’t immediately happened.
“His first season at Norwich he finished 14th in the Championship, but I think he realises at Leeds, a club that size and that statue, you’re not going to get that time.
“He’s been brought in for a reason: to win promotion back to the Premier League. He’s working with young players, which he’s very good at. In the Ipswich game, there were some defensive mistakes, but I think he’ll take a lot more positives from that.
“I like the signings that he’s made, with the likes of Joe Rodon coming in. I like the way he’s integrated Cody Drameh back into the side, and the way that’s integrated Joe Gelhardt back into the side.
“Let’s not forget the list of injuries too. Stuart Dallas, Liam Cooper, Patrick Bamford, Junior Firpo, Dan James. Leeds still have a shed load of players to come back into that side.
“It’s not going to be an instant success and it is a work in progress, but from the start of the season to the Ipswich game, I’ve already seen that progress.”
In other Leeds United news, a Championship manager has claimed his player “will not” make a move to Elland Road.