Daniel Farke outlines key difference in pre-season campaign

Daniel Farke has been impressed by Leeds United’s pre-season campaign with just one week to go until the competitive action gets underway. The Whites host newly promoted Portsmouth at Elland Road next Saturday and will be keen to get off to the best possible start.

The German head coach believes Leeds are in stronger position this year heading into the campaign, with his players already aware of how he wants his side to set-up.

“The good thing during this pre-season is that the lads who were involved last season already know a lot about our football, but we also want to be a lot more flexible in our base formation, so what we do during the games,” Farke told Leeds United after the win over Valencia.

“This was quite important and to try to integrate the new players. Also, to work on the fitness levels and many things. We’re on a good path. The real stuff starts and sadly there’s no points for five wins in pre-season.

“The only thing that matters is that you’re prepared for the first game day and even more for 46 games and two cup competitions. Overall, we’re on a really good path.”

The Whites may have lost key players in Archie Gray and more recently, Crysencio Summerville, but Farke’s side won all five of their pre-season friendlies against some tough opposition.

“Overall, really happy with the five weeks,” Farke added. “When I speak about the friendlies, five games, five wins against two really good sides in the second tier in Germany and here against a side who finished last season in the top-half of La Liga. A big name in European football in Valencia, then to win this confidently 2-1, we should have won it a bit more comfortably.

“I think for 80 minutes we were all over them. Then after many substitutions sadly [there was] one consolation goal but performance wise we looked really strong. Scored two fantastic goals, created even more chances. Chances out of all phases, out of counter attacks, set pieces, open play.