Daniel Farke makes ‘prime’ Barcelona claim after Leeds United draw
Daniel Farke criticised his Leeds United side’s defending for Preston North End’s opening goal at Deepdale on Saturday.
The boss admitted Leeds cannot rely on being like “prime” Barcelona or Manchester City sides, who can disregard defensive nous and simply outscore their opponent.
The Whites salvaged a point in injury time in the 1-1 draw in Lancashire, with Farke explaining his reaction as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth [14 December].
“I didn’t like how we defended the situation – they had one chance and they used it,” the German said.
“We’re not Barcelona or Manchester City in their prime and can say we’ll win 7-1. It’s a difficult game here, a really good side, six unbeaten here.
“It was always clear it would be a difficult game once behind.”
Leeds United have to build solid Christmas run
Leeds will survive from their draw at Preston, and will in fact consider themselves pretty fortunate after the hosts’ Jack Whatmough was required to turn the ball into his own net in the dying embers.
The point could be crucial further down the line, and consistency is the outright key to success in the Championship. It is very rare each of the top three or four teams do not all emerge victorious from a single round of fixtures.
Leeds next take on a recently promoted Oxford United side in West Yorkshire [21 December], before back-to-back away trips to the Midlands against Stoke City [26 December] and Derby County [29 December].
On paper, the remainder of 2024 is perfectly winnable but the second tier has a habit of throwing a spanner in the works and Farke will constantly remind his side of the concentration required.
The January transfer window will also then be intriguing as the club look to bulk out their squad in certain areas, which will be critical when the fixture marathon continues to pile up.
In other Leeds news, Farke hits out at the Preston staff after a “respectless” incident.
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