Daniel Farke addresses the media today in his Millwall pre-match press conference with Leeds United. Here are some of the topics he may confront at Thorp Arch.
On Friday afternoon, Daniel Farke will hold a pre-match press conference. The Leeds United boss will face questions from television, radio, print, and online journalists at Thorp Arch ahead of Sunday’s match against Millwall.
Here’s a rundown of some of the important things on the schedule for the boss to discuss at the training facility today.
Leeds United may top the Championship for the first time this season at 5pm on Sunday, with a full 12 days to enjoy it before the campaign resumes. Farke is unlikely to be drawn into anything that encroaches on winning as a formality, but the possibility of it may have him reflecting on what’s been achieved to get the club in this position after so many lows through 2023.
The four absentees
Last Friday, Farke was missing Pascal Struijk, Stuart Dallas, Jaidon Anthony, and Jamie Shackleton. Struijk and Dallas have already been ruled out until at least the end of the international break, although updates on their progress will be expected one week after Farke’s last briefing.
Hopefully, the manager will confirm Anthony and Shackleton’s availability. The former was AWOL during his mother’s funeral last week, while Shackleton was following the concussion protocol after falling ill before the Chelsea FA Cup clash.
International call-ups and the Good Friday knock-on
At the time of writing, a few squads have still to be confirmed that may include Leeds players, but by the time Farke speaks, the public should know who is heading where and when. Archie Gray, as always, is a hot topic.
England boss Gareth Southgate mentioned the 18-year-old yesterday, almost confirming that he would be promoted to the under-21s next week. Farke could be quizzed about his thoughts on the Gray news, as well as which of his players may be in a race to be ready for Good Friday’s game against Watford.
Junior Firpo, for example, is scheduled to kick off at 1 a.m. (UK time) in the Caribbean on March 27, two days before he is needed at Vicarage Road.
The benefits of the previous week
According to social media, Farke permitted his players to leave Thorp Arch until Tuesday of this week, possibly Wednesday. The German will clarify this, and possibly explain why it was so vital and healthy for the players and staff to properly decompress following their Hillsborough victory.
With several players departing for their respective countries following Sunday’s encounter, their recent break will be their final deep breath before the run-in.
Leicester’s Financial News
Leicester City has been the focus of the Championship’s news coverage during the previous week. The league leaders face a possible point punishment for violating the sport’s financial rules.
Simply put, the Foxes are accused of incurring bigger losses than permissible over the last three years and are facing penalties as a result. Any deduction would most certainly occur next season, although Farke, as manager of their nearest current competition, may be asked for his thoughts on the influence that development could have on their club.
