Sam Byram shares Daniel Farke message at half-time of Leeds United v Watford, reveals ‘stick’ he received
Sam Byram said Daniel Farke’s message to his Leeds United squad at half-time versus Watford was to “keep pressing” and revealed he received a bit of personal “stick” after getting on the scoresheet.
The Whites ran out 3-0 victors against Watford at Elland Road on Saturday with efforts from Joel Piroe and Jaidon Anthony sandwiching Byram’s first goal since returning to Leeds this summer.
All of Leeds’ goals came in the second period, but boss Farke clearly had no doubt the breakthrough would come.
“I think the (opening) goal was coming after the first half. We had so many chances and if we’re being honest we probably should have done better with some of them, the keeper made a few good saves as well,” Byram told LUTV in quotes reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post (24 September).
“But the boss said at half-time keep pressing them and once we get one we should hopefully get a few and that’s what happened. A very enjoyable day.”
Byram has had spells at West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Norwich City since first leaving Leeds in 2015, but scored only one league goal for those three clubs – that coming for the latter.
And that was a source for ribbing among his team-mates.
“They have been giving me stick in there because I think the last time I scored was at Leeds and I’ve been away obviously seven/eight years and come back and scored again,” he added. “It seems to be that I can only score when I’m at Leeds but I’ll take it.”
Farke’s messages getting across
After a pretty turbulent summer, Leeds are really starting to hit a decent stride under Daniel Farke now they have a settled squad to work with.
The Whites have only been beaten once in eight Championship outings this term, albeit there have been four draws too.
But already, Leeds are positioned nicely on the fence, sitting in sixth position and finding some decent consistency.
From what Bryam says here, it is clear that Farke is being listened to but also evident that he has a lot of trust in his squad to do what is being asked of them.
The spirit among the squad is also pretty good judging by the fact Byram was being jovially teased over a rare goal.
All in all, after a pretty difficult few months following relegation, it looks as though things are really heading in the right direction for this Leeds side. Let the good times continue.
In other Leeds United news, Crystal Palace are reportedly chasing a teenager for Whites starlet Archie Gray.