Daniel Farke tells Leeds United to aim higher than one point per game
Daniel Farke has challenged Leeds United to evolve from Premier League survivors into a side that dominates games, insisting his team are no longer "addicted to one point per game". Leeds host Newcastle United on Monday Night Football, with Farke facing Matthias Jaissle in the first managerial meeting between the two German coaches.
- Fixture: Leeds United vs Newcastle United
- Competition: Premier League, Monday Night Football
- Kick-off: 8pm, Monday evening (coverage from 6.30pm on Sky Sports Football)
- Venue: Elland Road
- Managers: Daniel Farke and Matthias Jaissle meet for the first time
- At stake: Leeds look to build on an unbeaten start and a return to clinical form
What was said
"It's important to use momentum in the right way. We needed to freshen blood after a successful season but it's about evolution not revolution."
"It's realistic. You always have to deliver in the best league in the world. If you think at any time 'I don't have to do the basics, I'm a superstar' then you are not good enough any more. I'm a big believer in you get what you are willing to invest. But if you know yourself to be doing one step less, or working with just 98 per cent, you are not good enough. The culture is more important than any individual. Of course we have outstanding individuals, they have good chances to play every week, but every player has to show the best of themselves every day."
"We're not addicted to one point per game. We concentrate on the contents. One day to talk about Europe, to reestablish 'the good old times', would be nice. But we cannot take it for granted. I will make sure we are doing steps in the right direction and then, one day, we will speak about other goals. To win the Premier League? I would never say no. But I'm not addicted to the table. I'm addicted to performances and results. That is how it should look."
"We want to have a good structure and be solid in possession. The heart of our game has to be control, being stable is very important. It's up to this group to prove we are in a better position than last season, after three games I'm not willing to judge it. It's too early to sing high praises, but we've delivered some quality work in the last month. We have to ride with this moment."
"In the last 25 years, this club has never managed to play two solid Premier League seasons in a row. I want to do that."
"I feel like I'm watching an established Premier League team."
Farke's comments reveal a coach who has moved beyond the survival mentality that brought Leeds 47 points and safety by April last season. The German is demanding more from a group that he believes has earned the right to aim higher, but he is careful not to overstate expectations after only three games. The reference to "added tactical variety" and "tactical flexibility" suggests Leeds will not simply sit deep and counter, even against stronger opponents. The no-undroppable rule is a cultural statement: no player, not even the captain, is exempt from the standards Farke expects daily.
The numbers
- 47 — points Leeds United collected last season, securing safety by April
- 14th — Leeds' final league position last season
- 1 — league defeat in Leeds' last 12 outings since mid-March
- 11th — Leeds' current position in the Premier League table
- 3 — games played this season at the time of Farke's comments
Why Farke's 'no undroppable' culture is a tactical weapon
Farke's insistence that no player is guaranteed a start is not mere rhetoric; it is rooted in his tactical evolution. Last season's switch from a back four to a back three altered Leeds' campaign. That change, made under pressure, brought victories over Chelsea and a draw with Liverpool, and helped Leeds avoid a relegation battle. The flexibility to change formation mid-season is now a permanent part of Farke's approach, and it means he needs players who can adapt to different roles. The arrivals of James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic have added solidity and confidence through the spine, according to Farke. Their presence allows Leeds to play with more control, which in turn makes their pressing and defensive structure more effective.
Against Newcastle, Farke wants a "return to clinical behaviour" after squandering chances to win at Brighton last week. That means the attacking players must take the opportunities that come their way, because Leeds are unlikely to dominate possession for 90 minutes against a side of Newcastle's quality. The manager's emphasis on being "solid in possession" and having a "structure in possession for a moment if we lose the ball" suggests Leeds will look to control the game's rhythm rather than simply react. If they can do that, they will be harder to beat and more likely to turn draws into wins.
Talking points
- Is Farke right to abandon the one-point-per-game target? Safety is not yet mathematically secure, and aiming too high could leave Leeds exposed to counter-attacks.
- The no-undroppable rule sounds great in theory, but will it cause unrest if a senior player, including the captain, is left out for a big match?
- James Trafford and Tarik Muharemovic have been praised for adding solidity. Should Farke start both against Newcastle, or is it too early to rely on new signings in such a fixture?
- Leeds have lost only one of their last 12 league games. Is that run a true reflection of their quality, or a fixture-list quirk that will be exposed by Newcastle?
What happens next
Leeds United face Newcastle United at Elland Road on Monday evening, with kick-off at 8pm. The match is the first managerial meeting between Daniel Farke and Matthias Jaissle. A win would extend Leeds' unbeaten start to the season and strengthen their position in the top half. A defeat would temper the growing optimism and raise questions about whether Farke's more expansive approach is sustainable against stronger opposition. After the game, Leeds will turn their attention to the next fixture, but the immediate focus is on delivering a clinical performance in front of the Elland Road crowd.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Leeds United vs Newcastle United kick-off?
Kick-off is at 8pm on Monday evening, with coverage starting at 6.30pm on Sky Sports Football.
Who are the managers for Leeds vs Newcastle?
Daniel Farke manages Leeds United, while Matthias Jaissle is in charge of Newcastle United. It is their first managerial meeting.
What did Daniel Farke say about Leeds' ambitions this season?
Farke said Leeds are "not addicted to one point per game" and that he wants to establish the club as a Premier League mainstay, aiming to secure two solid top-flight seasons in a row for the first time in 25 years.
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