Why Noah Okafor is delighted with Daniel Farke as bold Leeds United message sent ahead of Arsenal
Noah Okafor has full confidence that Leeds United can get a result against Arsenal.
The Whites travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on the defending Premier League champions this Saturday after a three-week international break.
Daniel Farke saw several of his players leave for international duty, but Okafor remained at Thorp Arch.
The forward announced that he is stepping away from Switzerland's national team for as long as Murat Yakin is in charge.
The 26-year-old has a well-documented feud with Yakin, who has also been vocal in his disappointment at the forward.
But Okafor has been putting the hard work in over the break, and is ready for Leeds' clash against Arsenal this weekend
What Noah Okafor has said ahead of Arsenal clash
Okafor signed for Leeds last year, coming to the Whites as their marquee signing of the summer.
It took several months before Elland Road saw the best of the Swiss, who really kicked on in the second half of the season.
Okafor has started this campaign well, and has two goal contributions in seven appearances so far.
The forward is expected to start for Leeds against Arsenal, though he believes his side can go and cause the upset of the weekend.
Okafor said, while speaking to BBC Radio Leeds: "It will be a big game for sure, also a tough game for sure. But we will try to focus on ourselves, try to do our game and be brave
"We have to play with confidence because we're a good team; we are strong, so why not? We have to put it all out; maybe 101 per cent from everyone on the pitch. If we do this, there's a chance."
Okafor has started four of Leeds' five Premier League games so far, and is looking forward to being back playing alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was away with England over the break.
But what has the winger said about Farke?
Okafor reveals 'freedom' Daniel Farke gives him
Farke has been openly critical of Okafor for good reasons, even when he's been in form.
It's mainly tough love, as the German head coach knows just how good the former AC Milan star can be.
When asked about what the boss tells him behind the scenes, Okafor said: "He just wants me to be fit, be direct, try to help the team and put my strengths on the pitch for 90 minutes.
"I'm really happy to have a coach like him, who pushes me every day to be straight with me also when I make mistakes. He gives me freedom upfront to do what I was born for. This is why we play football."
Arsenal have been heavily backed to win on their own patch, with Leeds coming into the game as huge underdogs.
The last time that the Whites picked up a result over the Gunners in the Premier League was in November of 2020, when the game finished 0-0 at Elland Road.
Leeds would most likely take a point this time round, and Okafor could be key to that happening.