Every word Leeds United boss Daniel Farke said on red card, Peter Bankes reaction & Joe Rodon injury ahead of Sunderland
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke will hold his pre-Sunderland press conference this afternoon.
Leeds United are back under the Elland Road lights this week and ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League meeting with Sunderland, Daniel Farke will speak with the media today.
The Whites suffered just their third defeat since the start of December last time out, losing 1-0 at home to Manchester City on Saturday. Antoine Semenyo’s first-half goal proved decisive on a frustrating night for Farke and his squad, who missed a few chances and fell the wrong side of inconsistent officiating.
Farke was shown a red card after full-time for venting his anger towards referee Peter Bankes and will subsequently serve a one-match touchline ban on Tuesday. His assistant Eddie Riemer will likely take charge of the dugout, having deputised for media duties after that defeat to City.
Riemer revealed on Saturday night that Joe Rodon had hurt his hamstring during a recovery run against City, with the Welshman due to be assessed once everything had settled. The results of that assessment will be at the forefront of today’s press conference, with Farke expected to provide an update on his centre-back.
The only injury issue heading into Saturday’s defeat against City concerned Noah Okafor, who had also suffered a hamstring problem during last month’s FA Cup win over Birmingham City. An initial prognosis of two-to-four weeks was provided, the earliest of which could mean a return against Sunderland.
That will of course depend on Okafor’s progress over the past couple of weeks and given his injury record, the Swiss winger will not be unnecessarily risked. Other than Rodon, there were no obvious new issues but if anything has cropped up in recent days, Farke will be sure to mention it.
Daniel Farke on touchline ban, relegation battle and Sunderland
There will be a chance for Farke to share his thoughts on Saturday’s refereeing performance, given his red card meant no post-match media duties. Albeit after a couple of days, it’s unlikely the typically-calm Leeds boss will show the same level of frustration he did immediately after full-time.
He is also likely to be quizzed on how a touchline ban might affect his or his squad’s preparations. It’s not the German’s first time in the stands as Leeds boss either, as he was memorably up there at Bramall Lane to watch his side beat Sheffield United last February.
The Leeds boss will also inevitably be asked about his side’s record under the lights at Elland Road, having overseen five wins from five in 7.30pm kick-offs or later. Sunderland will present an opportunity to extend that record and claim another big three points.
Victory on Tuesday would pull Leeds nine points clear of West Ham, who travel to Fulham on Wednesday evening, and the relegation battle picture will be another likely topic this afternoon. Expect a characteristically level-headed response from Farke, whose focus will be solely on Sunderland.
And on Sunderland, Farke will no doubt be asked to share his thoughts on a fellow newly-promoted side who have massively impressed this season. The Black Cats are nowhere near relegation trouble but have only won two Premier League games this calendar year, both at the Stadium of Light.
Daniel Farke will hold his pre-Sunderland press conference at 2.15pm this afternoon. Stay tuned for live updates...