Leeds United are preparing for Sunday’s play-off clash against Norwich City in the first of two legs and Daniel Farke has shared what Leeds have been doing in training over the last seven days.
Farke has finally had the side to himself in training at Thorp Arch for a few days in a row without the interruption of a match. It comes after four defeats in the last six league games, losing out on second.
Leeds go into Sunday’s play-off clash with Farke’s old side as favourites to win the tie, even with Leeds playing away in the first leg but the Whites boss thinks that is an advantage ahead of the final on May 26.
Leeds looked beleaguered of confidence and tactical knowledge in the loss to QPR, dominated from set-pieces. Against Southampton, Leeds were outclassed in the middle of the park by Russell Martin’s men.
Speaking in his press conference on Friday ahead of Sunday’s first leg, Farke told reporters that Leeds had been working hard in training on two specific areas but surprisingly not practicing defending set-pieces.
Farke spoke in his press conference on Friday about the work being done in training:
Farke shares what Leeds have been working on in training
Leeds need to get back to the side that saw them look nailed on to go and finish in second place ahead of the March international break. Since then, The Whites have failed to replicate their previous form.
The Whites need to get off to a perfect start on Sunday and Farke has been doing what he does best, getting the best out of his players in training ahead of the clash against his old side at Carrow Road.
Farke told reporters that Leeds have been working without the ball, and their positioning : “In the last seven days, we’ve worked to sharpen our principles. Our work against the ball, and our positioning.”
“Because, in the last few games I got the feeling that we have lost that sharpness and concentrating on the details. Hopefully we can take to this pitch on Sunday and then Thursday,” the Leeds boss added.
Two Championship stars predict who will win the play-offs
Blackburn Rovers striker and The Championship’s top goalscorer for the 2023-24 campaign in Sammie Szmodics has given his verdict on the play-offs and believes Leeds will get the job done this month.
“I would have to go, just because I have played against them, with Leeds. Elland Road, tough place to go but not for Blackburn actually! The players they’ve got, and the team they’ve got I think they will do it.”
Sheffield Wednesday Josh Windass, who scored the winner in the play-offs to send The Owls back to the Championship last season, also believes Leeds will go up but thinks there could be a mental hangover.
“Bolton will go up. I still think Doncaster and Leeds will win the play-offs. With Leeds not making the top two, I do think there is a mental effect. Years ago when I was at Accrington, we lost on goal difference.”