Leeds manager Daniel Farke has warned his team to “prepare for the worst,” but fans need not worry
The German is simply discussing what supports his promotion-chasing team’s strong defensive record. They host Preston in Sunday’s Championship battle, hoping to keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet.
If achieved, it would be the second time this campaign, having failed once in 2019-20. Leeds’ improved defensive performance has also been the foundation of three consecutive 3-0 victories.
Another victory like that on Sunday would only strengthen their chances of making an instant return to the Premier League. The West Yorkshire club has undoubtedly calmed nerves after losing to Preston on Boxing Day and then to West Brom.
Farke explained: “Together with West Brom, [before of this weekend], we have the league’s second-best defensive. Only Leicester is better, with four goals fewer conceded. But we’re also getting closer to being number one.
“Over the busy Christmas period, there were a few games where we didn’t give opponents many chances, but with just one or two, they always scored. We aimed to reduce that. And for that, we focused on training and changing our thinking.”
He went on to say, “We didn’t give away set pieces in the last few games, and there wasn’t always a corner. When we did, we were fully prepared to defend the situation. In football, it’s important to have a mindset that prioritizes defending one’s own goal at all costs.It isn’t so much about the tactical changes we’ve made. It’s more like the mindset of our defensive positions: constantly expecting the worst and preparing for the worse in order to remedy the situation.”
Leeds keep chasing the top two. But, having previously led Norwich to promotion, has Farke seen anything in this team that makes him think they’ll go up? He insisted: “No.” Because past achievement does not guarantee future success.
“It helps. Experience is always beneficial. But what I really enjoy about my men is their attitude, cohesiveness, and passion. And for me, especially in this league, unity, spirit, togetherness, and the ability to focus, to be there, are sometimes more important than individual qualities.
“I believe this will be critical in ensuring that the team is close, united, and works for one another when times are rough. Let’s see how far we get.”
Leeds are, of course, unbeaten at home this season, but they are well aware of Preston’s threat following their 2-1 holiday defeat. Farke added: “They’re a brave team. I believe they want to be the first to leave Elland Road with three points. We have to be on it from the beginning. It always begins with putting in a shift.
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