Daniel Farke will hold a pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon. The Leeds United boss will field questions from television, radio, print, and online journalists at Thorp Arch ahead of Wednesday’s match against QPR.
Here’s a rundown of some of the important items on the boss’s agenda for today’s training session.
Injuries
Hopefully, Farke has no new issues to disclose this afternoon, but he’ll be questioned about injuries ahead of Leeds’ final game before the international break. Junior Firpo and Wilfried Gnonto are expected to be unavailable until after the international break, while Djed Spence will be unavailable for a bit longer. Farke is expected to provide an update on their progress, and he may also address Stuart Dallas.
Pontus Jansson, an ex-Leeds United player, has been banned following doping control allegations.
Dallas is back in training for the first time since breaking his femur in April 2022, and Farke may be required to follow in his footsteps from this point forward.
Reaction to setbacks
To say the least, Saturday was unexpected. The Whites were riding high in confidence as they made their way south to face Southampton, but they were left astonished when the Saints thrashed them.
The reaction of Leeds to Saturday’s loss will tell us a lot, and the manager will be questioned about what he has seen from his team in the last few days, as well as the character and leadership within the group as they attempt to respond to their first major setback under Farke. He’s also anticipated to stress the significance of returning to winning ways and restoring positive momentum to Elland Road.
What changes are required?
The starting XI and who should be in it are likely to be the most discussed topics before of Wednesday night’s encounter. Farke, for better or worse, stuck with a winning team at St Mary’s after such a solid performance against Watford.
Changes are undoubtedly on the way, and it will be interesting to see where Sam Byram and Liam Cooper stand in terms of their ability to recover quickly and start a midweek match just a few days after playing 90 minutes. Decisions are undoubtedly needed in the backline, and the same might be said higher up the field, with Farke potentially being questioned about decisions in midfield and the front four.
Is there a hope for Anthony?
Jaidon Anthony has had to be patient since joining Elland Road on loan from Bournemouth, but he could make his debut this week. Farke could be questioned about his first month at the club and what he believes he can add to the team if he starts against the Londoners.
Returning to the Piroe call?
What is Joel Piroe’s best position, and would Farke be tempted to change things up after watching him struggle to get a foothold in the game at St Mary’s? That was one of the questions raised during Saturday’s setback, and while Piroe’s goal threat is enough to keep him in the team, Farke may be questioned about his position and whether he has contemplated using him elsewhere.
The Dutchman scored for Swansea City as a number nine, and while he has found success at Leeds moving deeper, his position is still being debated by fans.
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