Daniel Farke risks Leeds United dressing room mutiny as Ao Tanaka speaks out
Daniel Farke has to keep someone like Ao Tanaka in his good books, with the Leeds United midfielder the heartbeat of the team last season.
The Japan international caught the attention of many people in the previous campaign after playing a significant role in helping the Whites win the Championship title.
Even Ian Wright was impressed by Tanaka’s displays, with the Arsenal icon excited to see the 27-year-old play in the Premier League.
Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach’s arrival at Elland Road has led to increasing competition for a place in the starting lineup in LS11, potentially making things difficult for the German manager.
Ao Tanaka frustrated with Leeds United situation
Tanaka is disappointed to see his game time diminish at Leeds this season, not starting in the last five Premier League matches.
The midfielder’s slight fitness issue at Elland Road after the Arsenal fixture was undoubtedly a bitter blow for him, leading to Ethan Ampadu, Longstaff and Stach forming an impressive trio since then.
With the Japanese national disappointed with his prospects at the West Yorkshire outfit, Farke may have to deal with some tough questions in the dressing room.
Speaking to the media while on international duty, via Goal on 6 October, Tanaka said: “Of course, the most important thing is that I’m disappointed that I’m not playing in the games.”
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Jaka Bijol is also not pleased about his situation at Elland Road, with the former Udinese star being a bit-part player under the German manager.
If more players start to feel discouraged by their prospects at the Peacocks, the German manager could potentially have a mutiny on his hands.
Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach warrant place in starting lineup at Elland Road
Longstaff has been impressive at Elland Road after moving from Newcastle United in the summer, giving the Whites some much-needed tenacity in the middle of the park.
Stach has also thrived playing as the most advanced midfielder in recent matches, often triggering the press from the front.
| Competition | Appearances | Minutes played |
| Premier League | 5 | 181 |
While losing to Tottenham was unfortunate for Farke, the West Yorkshire outfit have shown signs of improvement under him this season.
The Elland Road faithful will be confident that they now have a squad capable of competing for Premier League survival, which remains the primary goal in LS11 for now.
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