Leeds United

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, PA Media

It's a swift turnaround for Leeds United as they head to QPR on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 GMT) after Wednesday night's 2-0 victory over Millwall.

Daniel Farke held his pre-match press conference at Thorp Arch and here are the standout lines...

• Farke says he has no fresh injury concerns hopes and hopes to have defender Isaac Schmidt back from illness.

• Captain Ethan Ampadu is making progress with his recovery from a knee injury. He hopes to have the Wales international back in team training after this month's international break. Patrick Bamford and Max Wober remain sidelined.

• On what is the tipping point as to who decides who is fit to play when the medical department, the analysts and the manager are involved. "They (medics) are always worried and give warnings about players in the red zone, but I pick the team. They present data and opinion about recovery status, but it's my responsibility to take the call. If it doesn't work, they can't be blamed."

• On the decisions of officials going against his side with Joel Piroe denied a goal against the Lions due to offside. "I've calmed down since yesterday. But if you look how many fouls and penalties should have been given, we are normally on the wrong. So many obvious penalties were stone wall. Overall I like when the referee is careful with showing cards because I like it when we go for it and both teams, as long as its not over the line, are competitive.

• "The tackle on Illan Meslier (at Portsmouth by Connor Ogilvie) in the Bundesliga would have been a red card. We want to have the best refs in the world. But I don't complain too much."

• Farke says he will not use the free agent market to recruit before the end of the season unless there are extraordinary circumstances. He would rather bring an academy product into the first-team squad.

• On being the fastest manager to 50 Championship wins with a single club, he said: "I'm happy with my players and my club. I work for a club where it is a bit easier to reach this. If you have excellent players and staff it is sometimes difficult for the manager to mess it up! All credit to the players."

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

Image source, Rex Features

It is a reflection of the standards being set at Leeds United that manager Daniel Farke was visibly angry in the wake of a 2-0 victory over Millwall which sent his side back to the top of the Championship.

His ire was not aimed at any of his players but rather the assistant referee who denied them a second goal in the first half by raising his flag for offside.

"I could be relaxed, because it didn't influence the result but it annoys me really," he told BBC Radio Leeds. "Because what has happened in the last weeks against us in terms of decision making is not acceptable."

Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson combined with intricate footwork for the former to score a sumptuous goal.

As Piroe found the net, for what he thought was the 16th time this season, he had not seen the signal to quell his celebration as it was deemed his team-mate had been offside when back-heeling the ball into his path.

With 30 minutes on the clock, and the visitors showing little sign of troubling the host's net, a 2-0 lead would have put the game to bed way before Ao Tanaka's controlled finish five minutes from time.

"Back-to-back games for us and the same assistant gives an offside decision against us which is never offside." Farke went on, referring to a late Willy Gnonto goal in the 2-0 win at Coventry City last month which was incorrectly ruled out by the same assistant.

"To be fair to him, it was tight and more difficult to see than the Coventry game anyhow."

In real time Aaronson appeared onside, on the replay he appeared onside, so without VAR it is understandable why Farke was bemused how the official could feel convinced to immediately raise his flag.

Farke then added, "I say to myself why do we have the rule - if in doubt you give it to the offence anyhow. It was such a great goal.

"My feeling is, more or less, that if you are in doubt then make sure that I'm in the spotlight by waving the flag. This is more or less our new rule."

In the laws of the game there is nothing specifically written to provide an advantage for the attacking team but it's my understanding that assistants are trained that if they are not sure then do not flag.

The official must have been convinced. Just as referee Rob Jones was to not award Dan James a penalty after his legs were taken from under him in the defeat at Portsmouth. VAR would probably have called Jones to the screen and made him see what everybody else already had at Fratton Park.

"I have to calm myself down," said Farke. "But this is one thing that is difficult to accept. You can't blame the referee, he has to rely on the assistant.

"If it happens two times with the same assistant in back-to-back games it is difficult to accept because it can more or less change the outcome of the whole season."

With or without technology, strikers miss chances, goalkeepers drop clangers, officials and managers make bad calls. There is imperfection everywhere in football, its just a shame when it denies the perfect goal.

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

Leeds United defender Pascal Struijk says high energy and "a little bit of luck" helped the side move back to the top of the Championship with a 2-0 win over Millwall.

It was a first win in three matches for the league leaders, who saw their 17 game unbeaten streak ended by Portsmouth on Saturday following a competitive 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion at the start of the month.

"We wanted to show more energy, especially," Struijk told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I felt like the last game was a little bit flat and there were moments as well in the West Brom game where after we scored, we got a little bit flat."

The Whites led from the third minute when Manor Solomon's cut-back deflected off Millwall defender Jake Cooper and into the net.

Leeds then went onto to seal the win with Ao Tanaka's strike from the edge of the box.

"I'm happy that we got the luck on our side tonight," Struijk added.

"It's been frustrating when you have so many chances like on the weekend and you don't finish them off, so to get this little bit of luck to start us off straightaway, it's always nice."

You can listen to Struijk's full post-match reaction and more on the Don't Go To Bed Yet podcast.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke spoke to BBC Radio Leeds after their 2-0 victory against Millwall returned them to the top of the Championship.

"It was an excellent win for us tonight in a pretty busy period. Also, it was an excellent performance," he said.

"We were quite respectful today because we haven't lost many games, but it is so important for us that when there is a little set-back that we answer straight away.

"That is what we have always done during the season so far. I love it.

"But also the game after a loss can also be difficult because you can have a great run of form, with many wins or 17 games unbeaten, but then you lose one game and that does something with the confidence and the rhythm, and you have to fight your way back to get momentum back on your side.

"That is what we did today against an excellent Millwall side that always shows resilience, that is competitive, and tries to press and go for it."

Leeds United will look to bounce back after a shock defeat by relegation-threatened Portsmouth with a win over Millwall on Wednesday (19:45 GMT).

Pompey upset Leeds' 17-game unbeaten run on the weekend to leave the league leaders level on points with second-placed Sheffield United.

Both the Blades and fellow promotion rivals Burnley, two points adrift, will have had the chance to go top on Tuesday before the Elland Road fixture the following day.

A win for both would see Leeds out of the top two and chasing, while the Lions will be looking for three points to try and close in on a play off position.

• Leeds United have won each of their last three home league games against Millwall and have recorded eight victories across their last nine matches against the Lions at Elland Road (L1).

• After winning the reverse fixture 1-0 in November, Millwall will be looking to record a fourth league double over Leeds United after the 1987-88, 2009-10 and 2017-18 campaigns.

• Leeds United are unbeaten in their last 15 home league games (W13 D2), scoring 40 goals in that time and scoring the opening goal in 14 of those matches.

• Millwall have won only one of their last eight midweek (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) away league games (D2 L5), conceding 14 goals across those games.

• Leeds United have won four of their last six league games against London opposition (L2), including their last three in a row at home. The Whites had only won four of their previous 26 league games against sides from the capital before this (D4 L18).

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United are in the unusual position of having to bounce back from defeat for only the fourth time in the Championship this season when they face Millwall on Wednesday night (19:45 GMT).

Daniel Farke delivered his pre-match press conference and here are the key lines...

• On how he dealt with his players in the aftermath of the 1-0 loss at Portsmouth, the Leeds United boss said: "I quite like to have a little talk after the game to give my thoughts so everyone is on the same page. Sometimes the players give an opinion, that's normal."

• When asked whether it was better to play again in midweek rather than wait until the weekend and recuperate, he said: "Yes, I agree. I'm not concerned about this turnaround. Three full nights of sleep. Millwall have a day more to recover but we are not searching for excuses."

• On team news: "There were one or two knocks and bruises but I'm hoping to have the same amount of players as Portsmouth."

• On Ao Tanaka's level dropping off at Fratton Park: "It's not to criticise him too much for one game he's not his best. The same with [Ilia] Gruev and [Joe] Rothwell. For two years, Rothwell has hardly played a game so when we have three games in seven days we have to switch it up.

• "Gruev was our most consistent player before his injury. He worked so hard from his rehab to get back. After three and a half months, he played and we got several away clean sheets."

• On Sam Chambers new contract progress, he said: "Perfect day for him. I like this player. It was not a coincidence he had his start in the FA Cup. The new contract is not a gift, we believe he can play an important role for us in the future. We want to develop players. It's perfect news for him and his family and for us.

• When asked about young striker Harry Gray, he said: "Before a player makes his first step I'm always careful about praising him too much. He's with us, trains well and is doing well. He's back in team training for several weeks and is progressing. We won't rush it too much. He's in the category of Sam Chambers who can play a part in our future. We will look after him."

• Farke will not leave Jayden Bogle out because he is at risk of a two-match suspension should he pick up a 10th caution against Millwall: "No, we won't rotate Jayden for this suspension reason. He's a top player for us. Maybe you could say rotate because of the load. He came through the last game without a yellow card. We need his drive going forward."

• On Millwall, who have beaten Leeds twice this season already: "Alex Neil's sides are always competitive and it is difficult to beat them, especially in away games when they can use their position against the ball. We have to be back at our best....and hopefully we can create as many chances as yesterday but find our scoring boots again!"

• In delivering a rallying call ahead of Wednesday night: "We are top of the league and we are the best home team. If our supporters sing us to five home wins we will finish in the top two. We have to build unity. The basement in our home games and we need the fans to carry us during difficult periods. "Everyone has to be at their best at Elland Road on Wednesday and make sure the stadium is bouncing. We cannot rely on anyone else, we need to help ourselves."

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

Image source, Rex Features

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has said his side will have to be at their best if they are to get back to winning ways following their defeat at Portsmouth.

Ahead of Wednesday's match, the former Norwich City manager also complimented Millwall boss Alex Neil, who he succeeded at Carrow Road back in 2017.

"I spoke quite highly about him," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds.

"He's a very, very experienced manager and he knows the Championship inside out."

Farke's side welcome Millwall to Elland Road following the Lions' comeback victory at Watford on Saturday and the German is aware of the threat the South Londoners possess away from home.

"In away games, they can use the position against the ball and to develop the game – they have a very, very decent away record," he added.

"We have to be back to our best and we need to find our goalscoring boots."

Farke also confirmed Sunday's defeat at Fratton Park did not provide any fresh injury concerns, with the same 20-man squad likely to be named midweek.

Leeds United are still top of the Championship but only on goal difference after ending their 17-match unbeaten league run with a 1-0 loss at Portsmouth.

Manager Daniel Farke says there will be no implosion after only a fourth defeat of the campaign.

Adam Pope, Jonny Buchan and Kaiser Chiefs's bassist Simon Rix forage through the fallout from Fratton Park.

Episode 144: Stairway to hell, of our Leeds United podcast 'Don't Go To Bed Just Yet', is available to download right now via the BBC Sounds app.

Image source, Rex Features

Leeds United midfielder Sam Chambers has signed a new deal that will keep him at Elland Road until the summer of 2028.

Chambers, who turns 18 today, made his first-team debut for the Whites against Plymouth Argyle in November before making his first start for the club in the FA Cup defeat at home to Millwall last month.

Predominantly an attacking midfielder, Chambers can play in a number of positions including on the wing and as a centre-forward.

The Leeds-born youngster has also represented Scotland at under-19 level, most recently playing in the UEFA Euro U19 Championship qualifying campaign.

Adonis Storr
Fan writer

Image source, BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds are still well on track to be promoted automatically – they have the easiest run-in, beat their closest rivals and have the best goal difference; so why the pessimism in the fanbase after Sunday's loss to Portsmouth?

The despair after the match was palpable. In a survey on X, external of nearly 2,000 users, the highest voted answer to the question "where will Leeds finish?" was "third place".

Despite the attitude online, there was not exactly a meltdown on the pitch.

The Whites created four big chances and were denied a clear penalty. On a different day Leeds win that game.

But a long ball over the top, a hesitant goalkeeper, a potential breakdown in form close to Easter - Leeds fans spot the warning signs - echoes of failed promotions past.

On paper the Peacocks have the better run-in. But they have already lost to Millwall at Elland Road this season, albeit in the FA Cup.

And QPR away brings back memories of Marcelo Bielsa in the tunnel on his haunches, and long stretches of losses in London.

Lunchtime kick-offs have also been an issue this season. From United's 10 games with a pre-15:00 kick off time, Leeds have averaged 1.1 points per game, compared to 2.4 points when the match kicks off in the afternoon or evening.

There are three more lunchtime kick-offs to come and they are all away.

This team should have too much. Every "super computer", betting company and historical statistic says Leeds United will almost certainly be promoted.

But this is the club who invented, 'doing a Leeds'.

This side have broken records, but in the toughest league in the world Leeds are everyone's cup final; and in a promotion race this close, more records will have to fall, for United to go up.

Find more from Adonis Storr at The Roaring Peacock., external

Image source, Rex Features

Daniel Farke was magnanimous in defeat after Leeds went down 1-0 at Portsmouth to stay top of the Championship on goal difference alone.

Colby Bishop's clinical angled finish over Illan Meslier proved the difference, just after the hour, though Blues keeper Nicolas Schmid had to make a string of vital saves in both halves to keep the visitors at bay.

Joel Piroe and Dan James also spurned fine chances and Junior Firpo hit the bar with a header as Leeds' 17-game unbeaten league run came to an end.

"First of all I want to say congratulations to Portsmouth for an important game and win for them," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds.

"Of course I'm disappointed with the outcome and the loss, I was fully aware that this would be one of the toughest, if not the toughest game, in our run-in.

"They are in red-hot form at home and we expected how they played, physical, direct and aggressive.

"We coped with many situations really well but we have created so many good chances in this game and you just have to put them to bed."

Image source, Getty Images

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke said he does not value his Manager of the Month award "as much as he should do".

The German took the award for February after a stellar month for Leeds, who won all five of their league matches, scoring 18 goals.

"Manager of the Year would not be bad! But, of course, I take it," Farke told BBC Radio Leeds.

"It's football - it's not just a season, it doesn't go for one month and the perfect February. You also have to make sure for all the other months you're also on the top level.

"I'm just looking forward to being prepared for the next game, so at the moment, I don't value them that much. Not like I perhaps should do, but there's no time."

Farke was not the only one at Leeds to be heralded for their performance in February. Winger Dan James was awarded Player of the Month, which his boss said is all down to the Wales international's "hard work" and "dedication".

"I'm a big believer that you always get what you are willing to invest," Farke added.

"Daniel is an outstanding player, special with his skills, but what has at least the same importance is his personality - he is an unbelievable, great lad, a great team-mate, always thinking about the team - also works his socks off."

Meanwhile, forward Patrick Bamford is back in training and "making progress" towards a full recovery after nine weeks out with a hamstring injury.

As for midfielder Ethan Ampadu and defender Max Wober, they could see their returns on the other side of the upcoming international break.

The final game of the Championship weekend sees leaders Leeds United travel to Portsmouth on Sunday (12:00 GMT).

Daniel Farke's side are unbeaten in 17 league games but could be level on points at the summit when they head to the south coast, if Sheffield United win on Saturday.

John Mousinho's Blues go into the weekend in 17th, with an eight-point cushion over the relegation zone.

• Portsmouth are winless across their past five league games against Leeds United (D4 L1), after the pair drew 3-3 at Elland Road in August.

• Leeds United have failed to win any of their past six away league games against Portsmouth (D4 L2), since a 3-2 victory at Fratton Park in April 1986.

• Portsmouth have won eight of their past 11 home Championship matches (D2 L1), having failed to win any of their first six home games this season (D3 L3).

• Leeds United are unbeaten in their past 17 Championship games (W12 D5), their best unbeaten run in the league since going 30 games without defeat between May 1973 and February 1974 under Don Revie.

• This game will kick off at 12pm with Leeds picking up just 1.22 points per game in league fixtures this season that have kicked off earlier than 3pm (P9 W2 D5 L2), compared to 2.50 points per game in games that have kicked off at 3pm or later (P26 W20 D5 L1).

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Image source, Rex Features

Nobody has had more minutes on the pitch this season for Leeds United than defender Joe Rodon.

The Wales international has started every one of the club's 35 league games after which they sit top of the Championship.

He is a warrior, often battered and bruised, but always there for his team-mates.

"I feel good to be fair," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I think having the experience last season opened my eyes to the whole schedule with the league.

"It's crazy as everyone knows, but every player wants to play every minute and this is what I came here to do. I'm enjoying every minute of it."

Rodon, 27, plays with his heart on his sleeve and goes where others may fear to tread.

"This season I've had more head knocks than I'd like," he said.

"I try not to, to be honest. It does hurt. But if it happens, It happens. I guess that's part of the game I'm just used to it now."

It's that attitude which sees him drive the side on from the back with his marauding runs and towering headers.

But also with his vocal presence.

"I'm normally quite loud on the pitch anyway just in communicating with the team in order to try and help - to make other people's jobs easier," he added.

Rodon is not afraid to hold his team-mates to account on the pitch if things are not quite right.

It's a trait that has somewhat dissipated from the modern game.

"The boss can get on to me about this, to always be positive," he said.

"I'm a really competitive person. So I think frustration and emotion creeps into that. I think it's the same for a lot of players, but yeah, I'm just really, really competitive. I'm a competitive problem.

"I don't mean that in a negative way. It's more of a kind of a pick me up to work harder and do more."

With his captain and compatriot Ethan Ampadu (knee) out for the foreseeable future does Rodon feel more of a responsibility to step up?

"I always try to take the lead and lift it more, to help and to bring my say to it," he said.

"So I guess without Ethan's presence there's a bit of that.

"There are a lot of other leaders in this dressing room, especially people like Junior (Firpo) as well who can benefit and lead the team.

"I just love talking on the pitch to be honest, I just can't help it."

Don't ever change Joe! Communication is key to success.

Listen to West Yorkshire Sport Daily, weeknights at 18:00 GMT, and subscribe to BBC Radio Leeds' Don't Go To Bed Just Yet podcast on BBC Sounds