Daniel Farke reveals half-time talks with Georginio Rutter in Leeds United win v Watford
Daniel Farke has revealed he “criticised” Georginio Rutter at halftime of the Leeds United win against Watford on Saturday 23 September.
As quoted by Phil Hay, the German praised the Frenchman’s work ethic and performance against the Hornets but urged Rutter to remain focused.
Rutter wowed the Elland Road crowds with trickery, exceptional passing play and an assist for Jaidon Anthony’s deciding goal, but his boss insisted that he not “enjoy himself too much”.
Farke said, as quoted by Phil Hay: “We can all be happy with him today.
“His work ethic is outstanding. He’s great in linking the play. It’s always important that he doesn’t enjoy himself too much. He has to focus on pragmatic football. I criticised him a little at halftime.”
Starman
Entering the dressing room at halftime, it is understandable that Farke was perhaps frustrated with Rutter’s frequent trickery and skill with his side struggling to break the deadlock.
Leeds dominated the first half against a weak Watford outfit and should have ended the first half with at least a goal, but it took Joel Piroe’s 67th-minute effort to finally put the Whites ahead.
The Elland Road faithful, and Farke himself, have been full of praise for Rutter’s performance throughout the 90 minutes, but the narrative and feel may be different if Leeds didn’t manage to get all the points.
Rutter capped off his performance with a slaloming run through the Watford midfield before his defence-slicing pass found Anthony in acres of space to convert.
He sprinkled the match with little moments of magic to get past the opposition and create chances, but he perhaps strayed from Farke’s demands.
He got away with it today and certainly deserves such high praise for an outstanding display. However, he will want to avoid any more halftime complaints from his manager.
In other Leeds United news, Michael Dawson spotted a disappointing moment in the Whites’ victory against Watford.