Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium (15:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
- Farke confirmed Sean Longstaff will be out for around four to six weeks with a calf injury he picked up in last weekend’s defeat by Aston Villa.
- Elsewhere, Anton Stach will “definitely” miss the visit to Manchester as he is the concussion protocol period, while Sebastiaan Bornauw is a doubt with “some MCL problems”.
- On the Whites dropping into the relegation zone: “We are fully concentrated. We were fully prepared that such a situation would happen. There is always outside noise even after our best season in history last season. We fully expected this would happen this season.”
- On the relegation battle: “The goal at the start of the season was to finish 17th or above. To finish 17th would be a great success because no other team in the last promoted sides has had the chance to stay in this league. I didn’t expect it to be an easy ride.”
- On how to deal with Leeds-born Erling Haaland: “It’s a good question. We spoke about how to stop him. It’s about how to stop the crosses and balls through. At the moment, he is the best striker in the world. We have to try and handle this and not get many situations.”
- On the noise surrounding him and his future at the club: “I don’t need to hide. I was aware of this passionate club on the first day I walked in. We played the best season in club history last season. Several times there were questions. If you can’t handle it, don’t become manager or a player of Leeds United.”
- Will this week define his Leeds career?: “Not at all. I’m not focused on myself or the outside noise. I quite like that outside noise is on the manager and not the players. I’m just fully focused on the team.”
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