Jamie Carragher praises Daniel Farke for unexpected Leeds move that got ‘Elland Road bouncing’
Leeds United have lifted themselves out of the Premier League relegation zone after a superb week.
Daniel Farke looked to be on the brink of the sack ahead of the Whites’ trip to Manchester City, but a valiant performance at the Etihad gave the German a lifeline, despite defeat.
Leeds then beat Chelsea 3-1 at Elland Road, recording just their fourth victory of the season in emphatic fashion on 3 December.
Just three days after the famous win, Ao Tanaka scored a 96th-minute equaliser as Farke’s side held Liverpool to a 3-3 draw in West Yorkshire.
Daniel Farke deserves all the credit for Leeds turnaround
From looking like they were going to be cut adrift in the Premier League relegation zone just last week, Leeds have now climbed up to 16th and are two points clear of the bottom three.
Speaking on Sky Sports Monday Night Football, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher heaped praise on Farke, explaining how he is directly responsible for the Whites’ good form.
He said: “We talk about teams getting results and how much it’s down to the manager. I think the upturn in form is down to the manager.”
Farke switched Leeds to a 5-3-2 formation at half-time against Man City, and they have looked a completely different side since then.
Carragher noted that the Elland Road outfit are now more direct, he said: “As soon as the ball goes to the wing-back, his first look is Calvert-Lewin, two men up against two centre-backs, making it awkward and it’s a little bit more direct.”
However, the former Liverpool man was still surprised that Farke had changed his philosophy.
“Out of the three who came up from the Championship, Leeds were the team you’d have expected to play a bit more football. That was their style in the Championship, but it certainly changed in the second half (at Man City).”
Leeds can capitalise on set pieces
Carragher also noted that Leeds now have more of an advantage from set pieces, with an extra centre back on the pitch.
He said: “When you go to a three at the back system, it should improve you at set-pieces. Three big centre-backs and especially when one of the front two is Calvert-Lewin.
“Early on in the game against Chelsea, Bijol gets a goal from a set-piece, and they’re in business straight away. Elland Road is bouncing.”
Tanaka’s last-gasp equaliser against Liverpool also came courtesy of a set-piece, Anton Stach whipping in the corner with the Japanese international on hand to rifle home at the back post.
Leeds will hope to build on their newfound success from set-pieces over the next few games, as they look to continue their good form in the Premier League.
With Brentford, Crystal Palace and Sunderland up next, there are points to be collected if Leeds can stick to this level of performance.
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