Leeds United

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Leeds United boss Daniel Farke says he and his team are monitoring "the players a little bit more" during the busy three-game-week because they already "thin in certain positions" of the team due to injuries.

Dan James, Manor Solomon, Max Wober, Ethan Ampadu and Isaac Schmidt missed Tuesday's trip to Norwich City while midfielder Ilia Gruev is the latest to pick up a long-term injury.

"We will have played three games in six days which even for the Championship is special," said Farke. "The second and third games are away games too.

"It is always a tricky period but I am used to it. Of course you have to adapt a little bit to the situation and that is why we opt to share the minutes a little bit when you have these three games.

"If we just played with the same 11 players then it would sent out the wrong sign to all of the players because we do need them [non-regular starters].

Leeds conclude their three-game-week against high-flying Sunderland on Friday at the Stadium of Light and Farke accepts it will be tough to ensure his players are at their peak.

"When you have a lot of injuries you also monitor the players a little bit more but some players will have to come in and aim to play all three games in the week," he said. "We are looking at what we can do to support their rehabilitation, nutrition and sleep as that is really important.

"We can't afford another injury because the squad is a bit thin in certain positions. It is a tricky time, but we are used to it and will handle it as professionally as possible."

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Leeds midfielder Ilia Gruev will need an operation on the knee injury suffered in Tuesday's draw at Norwich.

The Bulgarian was forced off in the 20th minute of the Championship game and the club have confirmed he picked up a "significant injury to his meniscus".

United say he will have surgery in the coming days before "an extended period of rehabilitation".

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope is joined by Kaiser Chiefs bassist Simon Rix for a bonus episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet during a big week for the Whites.

The pair discuss the growing injury troubles at Elland Road and whether the club brought in sufficient cover for the squad to be able to deal with the demands of the tough Championship fixture schedule.

And with another tough away trip to Sunderland on Friday, Adam and Simon discuss if two points from two away games is enough for United's promotion ambitions.

Listen to the full episode now on BBC Sounds

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Ipswich midfielder Kalvin Phillips says the "narrative" around his weight became a personal frustration.

Earlier this year Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola apologised for saying the midfielder was "overweight" on his return from the Qatar World Cup.

It was something former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa worked on with the 28-year-old during their time at Elland Road.

Former Leeds team-mate Patrick Bamford felt the Argentine was the "harshest" on Phillips.

Speaking on Bamford's My Mate's A Footballer podcast on BBC Sounds, Phillips said: "When we first came in, Bielsa - being South American - was obsessed with body composition, weights and body fats. I was on the higher end of the team, if not the highest.

"I had a pre-season where, for about three weeks, I'd go home and I'd just have a protein shake for my dinner and then come in the next day and I just have to keep losing weight.

"He always pushed me to be on a certain weight tag. Obviously I respected it, but then I knew that I can't starve myself or I can't dehydrate myself because eventually I'm going to get injured or stop performing."

England international Phillips has praised Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna for how he has been since making his loan move to the club in the summer.

"That [overweight] narrative on social media just kind of grew and grew. Every club that I'd go to, I spoke to the manager and the nutritionist, and they'd always speak about weight before they'd say anything else," Phillips added.

"I was getting quite frustrated with it, but now I've come to Ipswich, the manager is an unbelievable person as well as a manager.

"We spoke about all the past stuff that happened in my career. He just said, 'I'm big on body composition and I just want you to get to where you were when you left Leeds. That'll give us a good starting point for you to push on and hopefully get to back, back to where you were.'"

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

On the latest episode of the My Mate's A Footballer podcast, Joe Wilkinson and Patrick Bamford are joined by Ipswich midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Here's a clip of what to expect from the episode with the former Leeds man.

Listen to previous episodes on BBC Sounds

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

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It has been over 30 years since the last major upgrade of Elland Road. But for the first time in those decades, Leeds United have billionaire owners and the demand for tickets is vastly outpacing supply. There are still over 22,000 people on the season ticket waiting list.

Leeds United chief executive Angus Kinnear was asked recently about the expansion of Elland Road, he seemed confident of the progress already made: "The 49ers have committed a multi-million-pound sum on putting together a project team... with a view to submitting the planning application.”

When the official statement from the club came 11 days later, it was clear consultations with Leeds City Council were at an early stage.

Councillor James Lewis, leader of the council, confirmed "positive initial meetings" but when applying for planning permission on this scale, councils often want investment in the local area in return for approval.

"This investment can also be a catalyst for wider regeneration plans of South Leeds," Councillor Lewis added. He then described the investment required, including improvements to Leeds railway station, the introduction of a White Rose rail station, along with the potential of a mass transit route.

He could not have been clearer that Leeds Council want to ensure that the project "unlocks significant benefits" for the city.

Leeds fans can be forgiven for being sceptical of ground expansion plans. After all, proposals in 1997, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011 all came to nothing. It seems 49ers Enterprises must invest heavily in the city before any expansion will be approved.

Those tens of thousands on the waiting list will only believe in this project when the shovels break earth.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock, external

Leeds United made it back-to-back wins in the Championship following an impressive 3-0 victory over Coventry City on Saturday.

The result leaves them just two points off the summit of the division before a trip to Norwich City on Tuesday evening (19:45 BST).

In the latest episode of BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast, Jonny Buchan discussed the mentality shift he hopes to see in the squad for this season's promotion push.

"Last year we were amazing but because of the way the league was, it got away from us, they left it too late to make it back up there," he said. "I'm hoping this time round it could be the other way.

"Let's be the team that goes and says to everyone else 'are you coming with us?' That's what I'm hoping the mentality within the squad is this year.

"They have the players there who were there last season to still be a part of that to say right, let's be the runaway ones this time. Let us be the Leicester, the team that everyone has to chase. If they catch us, fair play to them, but let's go and let's keep that momentum going.

"I wonder whether that's what the challenge has been within."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

The team on Don't Go To Bed Just Yet are encouraged by a clinical streak Leeds United are showing in front of goal.

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before his side take on Norwich City on Tuesday (19:45 BST).

Here are the key lines from the Leeds United manager:

• Ethan Ampadu has a lateral knee ligament injury which will keep him out for around 10 weeks but surgery is not expected.

• Max Wober does require meniscus surgery, which will take place on Tuesday, and is expected to be sidelined for six weeks.

• Farke said: "You have to expect there will be injuries, have to hope for a little bit of luck. Ethan is our captain, one of our most important players. He is a key piece for balance between defensive stability and offense. It’s a big blow he’s not available but you have to adapt to it."

• Leeds will also be without Dan James, Manor Solomon and Isaac Schmidt at Norwich.

• Does Farke expect Pascal Struijk to step up in Ampadu's absence even more and show his leadership skills? He answered: "Big step forward in his leadership skills and personality last season. During the whole season so far a key player and leader, fantastic performances. He could chip in with goals from penalties and set-pieces. It’s even more important that he delivers right now. I don’t expect him to do anything different than he’s done in recent weeks."

• Asked how new signings Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka have been able to assimilate so quickly, Farke said: "We try to support with our tools, lots of communication, showing them videos and individual scenes, to improve them even more, passing choices, to bring our principles of football onto the pitch - but it’s always up to the players. We should be careful to praise them too much. In all areas, there is lots of space for improvement."

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

Accents, footballing idols and Italian stars.

Wilfired Gnonto covered all areas in a light-hearted chat with BBC Radio Leeds.

Listen to the latest episode of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet on BBC Sounds

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Leeds United have another 15:00 BST on Saturday kick-off when they face Coventry City at Elland Road.

The Sky Blues have had a mixed start, with only one league victory so far, while United boss Daniel Farke is looking to back up last week's victory at Cardiff City with a win over a side who took four points off Leeds last season.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

• Leeds United will be without injured wingers Manor Solomon (back) and Dan James as well as defender Max Wober (knee). A decision will be taken in the next few days whether Wober will require knee surgery.

• Meanwhile, centre-back Pascal Struijk (adductor) needs to train tomorrow to prove he has recovered otherwise he will miss the game. Striker Patrick Bamford and left-back Junior Firpo are expected to recover from knocks.

• On how to use Mateo Joseph in a way that does not dent his confidence: "Sometimes, due to tactics, you need a more physical striker, or more pace, or technique - it depends on the opponent. There is pressure to deliver in every position."

• Farke is pleased with how Joseph is playing: "I am happy with his performances. His workload is great and he had an assist for Largie [Ramazani]. It is good for the confidence and mood if you score a few goals, but he was impressive in pre-season. He scored against Hull and he has three assists. It's not like for me my striker needs to win the Golden Boot."

• On whether opposite number Mark Robins is an example of why a club should stick with a manager: "Not always. If you have the right manager, maybe. I am convinced of the quality of Mark. I've always rated him as a top manager in this division. Experienced and always delivers every season."

• Farke also is not deceived by their mixed opening to the season: "They finish either top six or near the top six and then he loses his best players every year. They can start slowly, but the quality shines through eventually. I expect them to be much higher than here they are. They will be one of the top competitors for the top six."

Full commentary of Leeds United v Coventry City on BBC Radio Leeds from 15:00 BST

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

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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"I was just a bit excited. His celebration is really nice but mine is not as good."

Willy Gnonto explains how his attempt to mirror team-mate Largie Ramazani's spectacular back-flipping goal celebration at Cardiff on Saturday fell short.

The ever-smiling Gnonto is part of a young team that, according to Daniel Farke, needs to mature. To not over-celebrate but to stay switched on at all times if they are to ensure promotion.

Weirdly, Gnonto, 20, having arrived from FC Zurich two years ago seems to have an old head on young shoulders.

"It's my fifth season as a professional," he said. "I think it's quite a lot for only being 21 soon. I do feel like I'm experienced. I try to help the younger players when they come into the first team. I've seen many situations and different environments so if I can help my team-mates I try to as much as I can."

The Italy international forged a strong bond with last year's stand out players Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter. Both left this summer, much to the chagrin of the United fanbase, who were not happy a year ago when Gnonto handed in a transfer request as Everton circled. Since then, he has resurrected his career and his relationship with the United supporters.

"Since I came here there's always been love and hate at the same time in certain periods," he said. "But I know that they love me and I love them as well. They made me feel at home from the first day.

"Every time I go on the pitch, I try to put in this work, this running, this passion that they have as well and I feel like they can see it in me."

A new four-year contract in August reflected how key he is to hauling the club back into the Premier League:

"The deal is really important. This season, I really want to find the type of consistency I feel like I missed in the past. So the deal was a fresh start for me. I know I have the quality to find the consistency to impact games and help the team - and I want to do it on a frequent basis."

Born in Italy to parents from Ivory Coast Gnonto speaks four languages.

"At home, I speak French," he added. "So I can say that Italian and French came together. I did English at school quite well and German when I went to Switzerland. It's good for me. I like to speak to people and interact with everyone."

Gnonto can light up any room and feel comfortable anywhere. Combined with his on-pitch ability he has the components to forge an amazing career, including realising his World Cup hopes by reclaiming his place with the Azzurri in two years time.

But he has to do well at club level first.

"My goal is to be there," he said. "I know if I do things properly, work hard and focus on Leeds then I know everything is going to come."

That's a language everyone can understand.

Check out the full interview over here, external

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

BBC Radio Leeds' Adam Pope is "astounded" by some of the reaction to a dominant 2-0 win on the road at Cardiff City.

Have a look at a clip of Don't Go To Bed Just Yet below or listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds.

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

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When Largie Ramazani beat the offside trap and then the Cardiff goalkeeper last Saturday afternoon in Wales, in his first start in English senior football, it wasn't a surprise. His first goal in La Liga had come in an eerily similar fashion against Real Madrid.

“I was confident I was going to score today. I just had that feeling,” Largie said after the game last weekend. His attitude is in stark contrast to his reaction after his goal against Madrid two years ago: “It was so big of a shock, I didn't realise I had actually scored until after the game.” He is clearly growing in confidence.

Almeria struggled in La Liga last season and were eventually relegated, but Ramazani was one of the few who showed glimpses of his high potential. For chances created per 90 minutes, his figures sat alongside Real's Vinicius Junior, Atletico's Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has a track record of developing youth players, especially forwards, and was cautiously complimentary of Largie: “He was there with several really nice touches, also in counter attacks, scored a fantastic goal, good movement. But he could have scored a few more and also had a few unnecessary losses of the ball and also a few chances that he missed. So there's still much to work on.”

A promotion chasing Leeds side are a different prospect to the relegation battling Almeria the young Belgian came from. Leeds' promotion may hinge on Ramazani fulfilling his potential, but his first start showed why United had faith in him.

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BBC Radio Leeds reporter Adam Pope says Daniel Farke is the "most capable around" of leading the Whites to Premier League promotion despite some supporter criticism about his style of play.

Farke's Leeds have begun their Championship campaign with 11 points from six games and currently occupy the final play-off place after Saturday's comfortable win at 10-man Cardiff.

"Look at the season as a whole," Pope told the Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast. "It is an attritional marathon and along the way you have stumbles, you're gonna lose some games. You're gonna have boring streaks to run through.

"But, you're effective and you're keeping up the pace, which is what Leeds have done. You have little surges where you have momentum and then it's a sprint to the line. It's a little bit of everything.

"I think Saturday falls into that category. Yes, it may have been a bit functional but they got it done. We've seen them fail against 10 men in the past and I didn't feel there was any chance of that happening.

"I think Leeds did a lot of good things. It may not be the most entertaining, it might be functional and it's not Marcelo Bielsa - I get that. But if that is your biggest crime then there's nothing Daniel Farke can do about that.

"This is a calculated gamble of who is the best fit for Leeds to get back into the Premier league. All the stats and all the evidence shows that Farke is the most capable around of doing that.

"It would have happened last year any other year. This year he's going about it in a way that suggests that he could be there again. What do people want?"

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Leeds United are keen to open new contract talks with Wales winger Daniel James, 26. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column