The latest My Mate's A Footballer podcast has landed and in this week's show Patrick Bamford and Joe Wilkinson chat Tony Pulis and managers before getting sidetracked and taking a deep dive into the art of set-pieces.
The pair also discuss Roy Keane, Steve McLaren and how many goals Bamford reckons he could score in Wilkinson's five-a-side team.
Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, PA MediaLeeds United manager Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Championship match against QPR at Elland Road (15:00 GMT).
Here are some of his comments:
There are no fresh injury worries after Wednesday's 1-0 defeat at Millwall: "It seems like most of the players came through the game without major injury. There are one or two knocks and some tired legs. We have to see how they recover over the next 48 hours to be ready again in order to make some late decisions if we have to change it or mix it up. It seems like all the players who were with us will be available."
How convinced is Farke that he sticks to his principles amidst criticism of being inflexible? The Leeds boss said: "You can't be like a flag in the wind. You have to stick to what you believe in. Just because you don't win a game doesn't mean you suddenly go to 4-4-2 and stick the ball up front. That's not us, nor the habits we work upon. You work over a season and good managers over years to develop a game."
Farke spoke about Brenden Aaronson, who he said was the hardest-working player on the pitch at Millwall but can improve in the following areas: "Shooting - I want my number 10 to be with better concentration. Not shoot at the centre of the goal but choose one corner. Be convinced and a bit more tidy in the finishing. This is something he can definitely improve."
Farke continued: "Also out of good intention he has so much energy, he has the intention to run a bit too much instead of waiting for the moment when the ball comes to him, let the opponent shift, then receive the ball in a much better position. If you play football with the pulse at 100 it's always difficult to be calm and composed in the moment. We are working on this but we don't want to take his strengths like his energy away.”
Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter
Image source, PA MediaThe regular refrain from Leeds United supporters after failing to win a game this season is to shout at manager Daniel Farke or type in capital letters on whichever social media platform: "WHY DON’T YOU MAKE SUBS EARLIER?"
The perception for some fans is that Farke’s substitutions always come around the 70th-minute mark and that there is a stubborn adherence to the time he feels an intervention is required. After the full-time whistle, accusations of failing to manage or influence a game to a positive conclusion then follow.
(At this point it’s worth stating Leeds have only lost two Championship fixtures.)
In the immediate aftermath of the club’s first defeat on the road at Millwall - although many will disagree with him - Farke revealed why he was prepared to stick to his guns before bringing on winger Manor Solomon with around 20 minutes to go followed by two strikers eight minutes later.
"Not because we needed to change the rhythm of the game too much because we were all over them," he explained. That is why, while disappointed with the result, he was not upset with the performance. Why change when you believe what you are doing will prevail?
Farke went further: "The only problem was we weren’t effective in using our chances and that is why I didn’t make substitutions earlier."
With 75% possession, 14 shots and 27 touches in their opponents' penalty area, the statistics exist that show United’s dominance at The Den. A failure to convert and to react to a headed knockdown is the reality of why those numbers do not add up to three points and why they stay third in the table.
If Farke is a slave to his own rhythm, the drum he bangs remains in time with the promotion beat.
Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds
Adonis Storr
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United sit four points better off than at this stage last season after facing five of the current top 10 in as many games.
The tricky run came at a horrible time with injuries to key players like club captain Ethan Ampadu, and an energy-sapping international break for replacements like Ao Tanaka.
Manager Daniel Farke was forced to tinker with his team, but the Whites emerged with three away draws and two home wins.
Leeds are now arguably favourites to win what looks to be a weaker Championship this season.
Despite rallying, at this stage last campaign United were 14 points adrift of Leicester. After beating Plymouth Argyle last Saturday, the Whites are now just three points off top spot and have kinder fixtures to come.
In a busy final two months of 2024, Leeds will play 11 games. Seven of the 11 opponents are currently in the bottom half of the league and the way the fixtures have fallen has set United up to finish the year strongly.
The Peacocks have an excellent record against teams outside the top 10 - so far unbeaten and with 2.7 points per game.
December has always been a season-defining month and barring a couple of tricky away fixtures at Millwall and Blackburn, Leeds have every chance to start 2025 top of the Championship.
Optimism is beginning to replace a well-trained wariness among Leeds fans.
After the play-off final defeat and losing major players over the summer, the fear was that a footballing hangover could translate into a poor start to the season.
Leeds are well in contention and showing a professionalism that has come with experience and bringing in mature players over the summer.
Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external
Katie Stafford
BBC Sport journalist
Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Leeds' trip to Millwall in the Championship on Wednesday (kick-off 19:45 GMT).
Here are the main lines from his news conference:
There are no new injury concerns following Saturday's win over Plymouth.
Patrick Bamford and Joe Gelhardt "will be a late decision" after returning to training.
He said Sam Byram has impressed him but with three games in a week "it can be tricky when the turnaround is quicker because of his age and injury history".
On opponents Millwall: "They are in red hot form and it is a very tough place to go. It is hard to break them."
He expects a "spicy atmosphere" at The Den so his players "need to be cool in the head with fire in the heart".
He said they "cannot relax" against Millwall and they will have to "be ready" to defend set-pieces, which the Lions have capitalised on in recent games.
On Isaac Schmidt: "He was struggling with illnesses and injuries recently which has impacted him in training. He needs to step up to find his consistency in training and get the chance to be more and more involved."
Image source, Rex FeaturesLeeds won 3-0 at The Den in September 2023 - a first win there for 11 years
Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke says his team will be ready for the test from an "in your face" Millwall team.
The Whites head to south London on Wednesday (19:45 GMT) to take on the in-form Lions.
Leeds sit second in the Championship, unbeaten in eight games, but Millwall have climbed to seventh on the back of three straight wins.
"Millwall are an in-your-face team, they go for it, they will attack, chase and play brave," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds.
Traditionally, fixtures at The Den have been challenging for Leeds, with just two wins in their last 12 visits, although one of those came in September 2023 under Farke.
They will face a Millwall side who are unbeaten in five games and have conceded just one goal in that time - they enjoyed a notable win against Burnley on Sunday.
Farke needs his players to cope with the heat of the occasion and the test posed on the pitch by Neil Harris' side to succeed.
"There can be a hostile, spicy atmosphere but that's what you like as a player," he said.
"You rise and don't crack under this pressure. At least, that's what I expect from my players.
"Of course it's a tough place to go but we must find the balance between keeping our nerve and playing with fire in our hearts."
The 3-0 win over Plymouth that took Leeds United up to second in the Championship made for enjoyable viewing for Whites supporters.
With the Devon side's well-known manager in the away dugout, it also made for a unique atmosphere - as the Don't Go To Bed Just yet team discuss in the latest podcast.
Lewis Deighton
Fan writer
Dear Ipswich, we told you so.
Following Saturday's football which saw Leeds breeze past Wayne Rooney's Plymouth and Ipswich drop two points against Leicester in the closing minutes, Martyn – a Town fan - posted a message on X for the LUFC faithful.
It read: "Leeds fans, ITFC supporter in peace here. You were right." It was in response to warnings that the Premier League would not be all it is cracked up to be.
The post came after former Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips was sent off in the 77th minute and the aftermath of a justified penalty claim from the Tractor Boys. Ten-man Ipswich then conceded in the 94th minute, having led for much of the game through Leif Davis – another former Whites player.
Reduced away allocations, extortionate ticket prices, soulless stadiums, irregular kick-off times and VAR are just some of the things fans will face when their clubs are promoted to the 'Promised Land'.
I have voiced my concerns a lot of late regarding the atmosphere decline at Elland Road and have come to the realisation that this very topic is another contributing factor. How bothered are we about being in the Premier League?
While it is absolutely where the club needs to be, I - and certainly most other Leeds fans I speak to - am just not excited by it.
We should be elated, leaving Elland Road after a 3-0 win - but instead, it is a feeling of so what? The lack of jeopardy in games is obviously a factor, but simply put, how do you enjoy the journey if you do not like the destination?
The Champions League success that Newcastle United and Aston Villa fans have enjoyed does provide hope, however, given both clubs have played Championship football at some point in the past eight years.
They are evidence that you can be promoted and enjoy it, but at this very moment it seems so far out of reach.
Find more from Lewis Deighton at LUFC Lewis, external
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United's newest signing Josuha Guilavogui says he will be "the happiest man in the world" if he is able to help Daniel Farke's side "achieve their goals" this season, after joining the club on a free transfer.
The former Wolfsburg midfielder made his debut for the club in the 3-0 win over Plymouth Argyle at Elland Road, and told BBC Radio Leeds all about his experience after the match.
"Everything was perfect - we won 3-0 and kept a clean sheet," he said. "I came in but also our young players came in. I'm 34-years-old playing for the first time at Leeds, and I'm playing with 18-year-olds.
"I can remember my first game also, so I don't want to just be happy for me but also for them! I hope it is the first of many more that are coming for them."
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke already has plenty of midfielders in his squad, but Guilavogui says he "knows his role" and "will give everything" for the team when called on.
"When everybody is fit, the players who are best will play," he added. "I'm here to help, even if I can only give one percent and we can achieve our goals - I will be the happiest man in the world.
"I know my role. I'm 34-years-old and I'm looking at our younger players but, if the manager needs me, I will give everything.
"I'm a professional and I love my job. I'm doing the best job in the world so, in training, I will always try to give my best.
"The coach knows that if he needs me for five, 10 or 50 minutes in a game, then I will always be there and very happy to do it."
Image source, Rex FeaturesJoe Rodon and Junior Firpo exchanged words at half-time despite Leeds United leading Plymouth Argyle 3-0 on Saturday
Despite Leeds United leading 3-0 at the break against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday, defenders Joe Rodon and Junior Firpo had a heated exchange as the players headed for the changing room, something which Whites boss Daniel Farke said he liked to see.
"So long as it is not over the line or disrespectful, I like it. It’s something we have been working on," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds.
"We are not addicted to results, it’s about habits and our principles, and when we are not there 100% I want us to be unhappy.
"It’s a good sign. Mature players who could have been happy as defensive players with a clean sheet but they were not happy as even a small detail was not perfect.
"It’s also the right of our more mature and experienced players, both of them are leaders within our group, to discuss and in the sense of the team bring our focus forward – yes, I like it."
The latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast has landed.
On this week's show, Jonny Buchan, Adam Pope and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix have been reflecting on their weekend win over Plymouth.
With no shots conceded and three going in at the the other end, plus a trio of debutants, it makes for a joyous discussion for the team.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United are preparing to host a "strong and solid" Plymouth side at Elland Road this weekend, and centre-back Pascal Struijk has been discussing how he plans to mark Argyle's Morgan Whittaker.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Struijk said it will be a good opportunity for Daniel Farke's side to get back to winning ways after a goalless draw at Bristol City last weekend: "I remember last season it was always tough games against them, but I actually didn't play against them [because of injury].
"I watched the games on the TV or in the stadium and they looked like they were a strong and solid side.
"I think we will dominate the ball for most of the game and then we will have to see what they do defensively and also on the counter-attack. We have to be aware of that. We have to finish our chances."
On marking Whittaker, who has scored three goals in 12 Championship appearances so far this season, Struijk added: "I always do a scouting report where I go through the player, so I probably know from that what he likes to do, what he won't like as much and where his strengths are.
"Everybody who is dealing with him will know that he is a threat. He has a lot of attacking qualities, like we all saw last season. I think he has lots of goal involvements, so we need to be wary of that.
"As long as we take control of him, we can take control of the others - so hopefully we get a good result."
Listen to the full interview on BBC Sounds
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has been speaking before his side take on Plymouth at Elland Road on Saturday.
Farke says Max Wober is back in full training but is not ready for 90 minutes of action.
Joe Gelhardt (hip), Patrick Bamford (adductor) and Dan James (hamstring) are doubts to face Plymouth and will have late fitness tests.
Junior Firpo is available after suspension but Jayden Bogle will serve a one-match ban. Sam Byram appears likely to start for a second game in a row.
Listen to Farke's news conference in full on BBC Sounds
The latest episode of My Mate's A Footballer is now available on BBC Sounds.
Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford reveals all about ball boys being given tactical instructions from managers, how security guards get involved in tunnel bust-ups and - in the spirit of Bonfire Night - what measures are put in place to stop fireworks being set off at football grounds.
Comedian Joe Wilkinson also discusses the vacant backroom staff roles at Leeds to see which one he would be best suited to - from fitness coach to bus driver.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesPascal Struijk has said it is "an honour" to lead Leeds United in the absence of club captain Ethan Ampadu, who is out until at least the start of 2025 with a knee injury.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds, Struijk said: "When I was younger, I always said no to being captain. I never saw myself as the talking type but the longer I have stayed here and the more I have played, the more I enjoy seeing what I can do to influence other people.
"It is an honour to wear it. It gives me good responsibility. I'm up for the challenge.
"I was more of an introvert when I came to the club but that has gone a little bit out of the door because I can't be like that when I have to be a leader on the pitch.
"I would have thought it was impossible [to become captain], but I'm grateful for all of the steps I have made so far and the people who have helped me along the way."
The 25-year-old defender is "happy" with the minutes he is getting this season, after suffering with a groin injury which kept him out for a large part of last season.
He added: "The end of last season was tough, especially not being there for the team and not being involved because of the injury.
"My main goal was to come back this season - fresh, strong, healthy and ready to play. I'm happy with the minutes I'm getting because playing football always makes you feel good. The more I can do it, the better for me."
Adonis Storr
Fan writer
Image source, Getty ImagesLeeds United's control of games in the Championship this season is thanks in large part to their dominance in the middle of the pitch. Leeds sit top for "touches in midfield" and have 500 more than Burnley, who are second for that metric.
For most of the season, Leeds and Wales captain Ethan Ampadu and Bulgaria international Illia Gruev defined that dominance in central areas, but losing both within 70 minutes of football has not even broken their stride.
In Joe Rothwell and Ao Tanaka, United could not have asked for more from squad players stepping into starting roles.
The midfield partnership began 20 minutes into the Whites' away trip to Norwich on 1 October. The pair have faced four of the top 10 in their first five games together, winning two and drawing three. The run included tricky away fixtures at Norwich, Bristol City and Sunderland - all unbeaten at home.
Tanaka's form has been particularly impressive. Despite a gruelling 18,000-mile round trip during the international break, arriving back in Leeds for one training session before a Friday night derby against Sheffield United, Tanaka won the man of the match award. Four days later, the Japan international won the man of the match award again, this time against Watford.
His team-mates have nicknamed him "Tiger Tanaka" after the James Bond villain, but Daniel Farke was quick to correct this in his post-Watford news conference.
"No, he is James Bond. He saved the world today. Steel. Crucial and decisive duels. He was James Bond for us."
Ably assisted by a series of excellent performances from Rothwell, and having settled quickly, Leeds' new midfield will be crucial to their winter form. And despite the signing of free agent Josuha Guilavogui, they cannot afford any more injuries in midfield.
Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external
In the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet, BBC Radio Leeds' Jonathan Buchan and Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix have a look at how the team is coping with the injuries they have and discuss the signing of Josuha Guilavogui.
Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds
