Farke on Calvert-Lewin debut, transfer targets and Newcastle
- Published
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Newcastle at Elland Road (17:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
New signing Noak Okafor is Daniel Farke's only "major doubt" for the visit of the Magpies with a groin problem, while Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka have already been ruled out with respective MCL issues.
Reflecting on Tuesday's Carabao Cup exit at Sheffield Wednesday, Farke said: "Disappointed at the cup result but on the way back from Sheffield we were already thinking about Newcastle."
On the Magpies and their 3-2 defeat against Liverpool on Monday: "They were the better side with 11 and 10 men and also when they lost Joelinton and Tonali. They have a few problems due to [Alexander] Isak and the injury situation but overall Eddie Howe has done an incredible job. I like a lot what he does. He delivers with consistency and has improved the squad."
Farke said the club are still targeting forwards before the end of the transfer window on Monday: "We are always open and transparent with what we are doing. We wanted to strengthen all areas. We make no secret that to the last day of the window we will look to strengthen our offence a bit more."
Farke also confirmed Largie Ramazani and Isaac Schmidt have "been allowed to travel" to talk with other clubs over moves away which are "not confirmed yet but we expect this to happen". Reports suggest Ramazani will join Valencia on loan while Schmidt is set to permanently join Werder Bremen, external.
He added "doesn't expect there to be more outgoings" but he "can never rule anything out".
On Dominic Calvert-Lewin who made his debut on Tuesday: "Everyone wishes for a dream start. Football is not dreamland. I was quite pleased. 40 minutes under his belt. You can see him growing day-to-day. We build up his fitness and and resilience against injuries. I like it that he showed straight away his instinct to be where a striker should be. I wouldn't judge it in anyway negative that he missed the chances."
On new signing James Justin: "We had honest talks that it's not easy for him because he has good competition but this is what you need. He can play right back and left back. He can add goals and assists and also defend. We are pretty pleased."