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Daniel Farke set to be quizzed over possible Leeds United defensive changes for QPR clash
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke is set to be quizzed in his upcoming press conference over possible key changes to his defence for the clash against Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday, according to William Jackson.
According to the Leeds Live journalist (3 October), changes could well be on the way in defence following Saturday’s disappointing 3-1 defeat to Southampton after Farke made the call to continue with Liam Cooper again following their 3-0 win over Watford, which proved a costly decision at St Mary’s.
Also, there are doubts about Sam Byram and Cooper’s abilities to play another 90 minutes so soon after featuring against Southampton for which Farke will be questioned about in his press conference on Tuesday (3 October).
Jackson wrote:
“Perhaps the biggest talking point going into Wednesday night’s game is the starting XI and who should feature within it. Rightly or wrongly, Farke stuck with a winning team at St Mary’s after such a strong showing against Watford.
“Changes are surely on the way, though, and it will be interesting to know where Sam Byram and Liam Cooper are at in terms of their ability to make a quick turnaround and start a midweek clash just a few days after playing 90 minutes.
“Decisions are certainly required in the backline and the same could be said further up the field, too, with Farke potentially set to be asked about calls in midfield and the front four.”
Key position needs attention
In all fairness, Saturday’s defeat at Southampton was not only a disaster for Farke’s men but a real surprise given the form of both teams heading into that fixture.
It certainly looked as if Farke’s men weren’t ready or at all willing to compete as Russell Martin sprung a superb tactical surprise that completely dumbfounded the Leeds United boss and his team.
The German will not want to go through that again and Wednesday’s clash with QPR presents an immediate shot at redemption for the Whites but who Farke chooses to start the match will certainly be a real headache.
The defence certainly needs addressing after Saturday’s disaster but it hasn’t been all doom and gloom for the Whites as they impressively kept four clean sheets in a row before the Saints defeat.
What Farke will need to decide, however, is whether to stick with Cooper after so many games in a matter of days and Byram’s fitness too.
QPR certainly aren’t in the best of form right now but that doesn’t mean Leeds United can be complacent. They need to pick themselves up again after Saturday’s loss and a win on Wednesday will be just the boost they need before the international break next week.
In other Leeds United news, journalist Graham Smyth says the actions of a player against Southampton “was not a good look”.