adminDaniel Farke spoke to the media today ahead of Leeds United’s Sunday showdown with Manchester United at Elland Road.
Fortunately, there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the fixture. Joe Rodon is still working towards regaining full fitness following his hamstring injury. Dan James, meanwhile, could feature in the squad this weekend after taking part in training today following his recent back problem.
While pundits such as Chris Sutton have predicted a 5-0 victory for Leeds this weekend, Farke understandably remained cautious about expectations. The German was reluctant to accept that Leeds would be favourites heading into the match, highlighting the significant difference in the amount of money spent assembling Manchester United’s squad compared to our own.
However, Farke did make an intriguing admission about his substitutes that could catch the attention of one Leeds star when he hears his manager’s comments.
Daniel Farke hints at possible changes to his substitutes
Across our last two fixtures against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Farke made several substitutions.
Against Palace, the changes were intended to find a breakthrough in a goalless contest. Meanwhile, against Arsenal, they were introduced in an attempt to find an equaliser after Leeds fell behind 2-1.
Unfortunately, neither set of changes produced the desired outcome, and we failed to find the net in both matches.
The lack of influence from our substitutes in the last two games was raised during today’s press conference, with Farke agreeing with the assessment.
Fair to say the impact was not great,” Farke said, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“Different earlier in the season when they had a big impact, like against Brentford with Lukas Nmecha. The last games were not that impressive, but also due to the whole situation.
“We were dominant against Arsenal, then they scored from nothing, and players then had a tough time. Doesn’t always go to plan. Sometimes you have to accept there’s a period where, once or twice, the impact is not great.”
Farke also delivered a message to any players hoping to make an impression from the bench, explaining, “If you don’t make an impact, then often there’s a chance that someone else comes in. It’s competition. We all have to deliver.”
One player who could be particularly encouraged by these remarks is Jean-Matteo Bahoya.
Jean-Matteo Bahoya could come on earlier against Man Utd
Against Crystal Palace before the international break, Brenden Aaronson and Dan James were introduced in the 67th minute, while Bahoya had to wait until the 92nd minute to come on.
Aaronson and James made very little difference to the Palace game, and neither managed to provide the spark Leeds needed to find a winner.
Against Arsenal, Bahoya once again watched Aaronson come on ahead of him. The American was introduced alongside Harry Wilson in the 71st minute, but neither player made much of an impression during their time on the pitch at the Emirates.
Bahoya eventually entered the game as well, although he was not brought on until the 86th minute.
With Farke now seemingly open to reshuffling his substitutes, there is a possibility that Bahoya could receive more playing time in the coming fixtures. This is particularly relevant given that Aaronson has done little to justify being brought on ahead of the Frenchman in his last two appearances.
Imagine if Bahoya were given more minutes this weekend and managed to score. It would be a fantastic way to kick-start his career at Elland Road.
Even if that does not happen on Sunday, I would still like to see Bahoya receive more opportunities to demonstrate what he can offer.
There is a reason the 49ers brought him in with a buy option worth £25.7million.
If players such as James, Wilson and Aaronson continue to struggle to make an impact when introduced from the bench, Bahoya deserves the chance to show that he can offer something different.
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