COYIRONS

Every Word From Daniel Farke's Press Conference

Archie A

SEP 18, 2025

Daniel Farke faced the media on Thursday afternoon, ahead of Leeds United's match against Wolves on Saturday. Here is everything he had to say.

Team news:

"We have a few doubts. James is a major doubt. He's still struggling a bit with hit in core muscle. Gnonto is a doubt with calf problems. Missed a few sessions. Will be a late call."

On our lack of goals:

"We need to stay calm. First step is to be rock solid and difficult to beat . We played good last away game at Fulham.

Normally if this own goal doesn't happen, everyone would focus on clean sheets and five points and not speak too much about offence.

Just because of this heart-breaking situation I won't judge it to find a different way. Happy we are so rock solid.

In first 75 mins vs Fulham we had better chances. What we have to improve is the cutting edge, the efficiency to score more goals. This is only thing to criticise. But we had a similar topic at the beginning of last season.

It's to work a bit on the clinical edge. Definitely a major topic in the raining ground to being players [in scoring positions]. We need balance."

On the challenge facing us at Wolves:

"We are always desperate to score and win games. We also stay humble. A newly promoted side away from home, we are always the underdog. But we don't travel with fear. We travel there knowing they will be highly motivated.

We have to be at our very best and concentrated and show our defensive steel. No reason to panic."

On if Perri is available:

"He's still out. Middle of next week we'll have a better picture."

When asked if the Wolves game is a must-win:

"I go into every game with 100% motivation to win the game. If we can't win it then aim is to not lose it.

If win, lose or draw - nothing would be decided yet. Doesn't make our life easier."

On Harry Gray's hat-trick against Scunthorpe:

"I've said all I need to say. Won't comment on him until he's back on the grass. Believe me, I'm far from being arrogant or confident.

I started out having to develop young players to sell them one day. The I overtook the best youth team in Germany.

When I came to Norwich, I replaced our club captain with a 20-year-old CB. When I came to Leeds... I gave Harry his debut at 16 years old in Championship.

But if I had to select a manager to manage a young player, I would say it is me, to be honest. He needs game time with Under-21s and not lose his striker instincts. What he needs most is time and peace."

On if he believes in luck:

"I'm a big believer that you will always get what you deserve in the mid and the long term. You will get reward for what you are willing to invest, in life and in football.

In other sports, normally the better team wins. In football, it can be the other way around. But in the long term you get what you deserve.

We've not done too much wrong but there are things we can improve."

On if Jack Harrison will start soon:

"If he continues with his hard work, he maybe can get ito the XI one day. Jack is always in my mind."

On Brenden Aaronson:

"I have to defend him a little bit. I was pretty pleased with his defensive work and skill. We know he has challenges in his offence game - something we've spoken about, being clearer in [attacking game].

Can't press a button and he becomes clinical but bring him in training where he is in such positions. We want goals and assists and in the end he has to deliver or else a different player will come in. But it's not like he's not motivated - but that he is so on it, that he loses his actions.

When you have a player and he has covered more distance - if he adds creativity and class, he can be even better. I want my players to give hard work and Brenden does that and does his tactical work.

If he wants to become a regular he has to improve with our help his offensive outcome."

On midfield creativity:

"We need goals from midfield. Recruitment focused on this. Longstaff can do thiss, Tanaka is capable."

On using long throws:

"Football comes back around. There was a feeling that at one time where long throws

We are still a possession side but if we need to move. Not a believer football should be in the air but if it's possible if the game [offers] it, we will use it in the future."

On telling players they need to improve:

"Speak to them about this privately? Yes I spoke to them... As a manager whatever you say is criticised. Especially after deadline day, I tried to stay calm and back my players.

I'm not into psychological games. I'm open and honest. On Aaronson - It must be possible to say I like this guy and they need to improve in offence."

I back them to improve and address this offensively. Important to be open and honest."

On Jaka Bijol:

"For 80% of the PL, if you sign a defender for £15m, he is a [squad player]. I like Jaka a lot and fact is he was not available for first game day.

For that, Jaka missed large parts of the last two friendlies. Pascal and Jowe ere there with outstanding performances. jaka in the cup - was difficult after [not much game time]. Not the best game.

But in the mid and long term - we haven't signed Jaka for the first four games."

On our attackers performances in training:

"It's not like if you train for one or two games they will turn into prime Ronaldo. It's about getting them back into form.

We have had small sided games with scoring to build the instincts. Happy with what I have seen in training."

Regarding Tanaka and Piroe's fitness:

"He's had a full week. Once you have a full session - same for Piroe - you are back in contention. But there is competition. Tanaka was not outstanding even before injury.