Daniel Farke claims Leeds are ‘Champions League-ready’ in one department despite new blow
Leeds are languishing in the Premier League relegation zone but Daniel Farke believes one element of the club is at a Champions League level.
On Saturday, Leeds were beaten 3-2 by Manchester City, meaning they are still in the Premier League relegation zone as it stands.
Phil Foden grabbed a last-minute winner for Pep Guardiola’s side, after the Whites had produced a spirited second-half comeback to draw level from 2-0 down.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha had got Farke’s side back into the contest, but Foden broke Leeds hearts with his late strike.
Daniel Farke praises the Leeds medical team
Leeds welcome Chelsea to Elland Road on Wednesday night as they look to build on their positive second-half performance against Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, the West Yorkshire outfit have been hit with injury issues in the run-up to the game.
Dan James is set to miss at least eight weeks for Leeds, after suffering a hamstring strain in the defeat to Man City.
It is yet to be determined whether James will undergo surgery, and if he is forced to, then he could be set for an even longer spell on the sidelines.
Despite the blow, Farke was full of praise for his medical team, even labelling them as “Champions League” quality.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the German said: “Overall our (injury) record is excellent. I have to give many compliments to my medical department, they are doing an excellent job.
“In this department, we are already ready for the Champions League. I just have compliments for them.”
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Daniel Farke has tactical options vs Chelsea
Against Man City, Farke made a tactical switch at half-time with his team struggling to compete, straying away from his preferred 4-3-3 formation and opting for a 5-3-2 instead.
Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha played alongside one another in a front two, and the change had the desired effect, with both strikers finding the back of the net.
Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s game, Enzo Maresca revealed that he is unsure which formation Farke will utilise.
For the entirety of his time with the Whites, the 49-year-old has gone with a four-at-the-back system, and the newfound flexibility could prove to be incredibly useful.
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