Daniel Farke big aims shared at Leeds United in ‘impregnable fortress’ verdict
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is aiming to make his side’s defence an “impregnable fortress” in the coming season, according to Beren Cross.
The LeedsLive reporter wrote on 27 July that while it’s hard for the Whites to find “obvious areas for improvement” next season, having the Championship’s best defence must be one of the “big aims” for the club.
Farke’s side were just three goals away from achieving that feat in 2023/24, with Cross highlighting the 4-0 defeat at QPR in the campaign’s penultimate match as the best example of United coming undone.
Cross’ report also mentioned that despite conceding just 43 goals last season, Farke has picked out the “marginal improvement” in defence that can provide the foundations of a successful promotion bid.
Leeds United have already made strides defensively this summer
Going into the new campaign having been just a solitary goal away from promotion in last season’s play-off final, Farke has not rested on any laurels in improving his side’s defence.
With all of his attacking big-hitters still playing their part up front (for now), the German has identified areas of weakness in defence, while also being given the welcome boost of two returning players.
The permanent signing of Joe Rodon from Tottenham, as part of the £40million transfer to take Archie Gray the other way [Graham Smyth, 1 July], is a huge statement after the loanee was arguably United’s best player last season.
Another new arrival in Jayden Bogle will also fill the gap left by Gray at right-back, and playing a natural full-back rather than converted midfielder in this role should reap benefits at both ends of the pitch.
Furthermore, Pascal Struijk’s return from a long-term injury, coupled with Max Wober doing likewise after a loan at Borussia Monchengladbach, gives the Whites multiple options at left-sided centre-back.
New club captain Ethan Ampadu, used in the backline due to Struijk’s absence, can now make a permanent move to midfield, providing United with a back six to rival any side in England’s second tier.
In other Leeds news, the Whites were given a boost in their pursuit of Bundesliga midfielder Dejan Ljubicic this week.
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