GAFFER FARKE STAYS UPBEAT
Rovers reverse just blip for boss
LEEDS United boss Daniel Farke says there is no need to panic following last week’s shock defeat by Blackburn.
Previously unbeaten at home all season, the Whites would have gone top of the Championship with victory at Elland Road but missed a succession of chances before Sammie Szmodics snatched an 82nd-minute winner for the visitors.
The result means Leeds’ fate is now out of their hands but Farke believes his team have already proved they are good enough to see the job through.
“The pressure that we have right now is because we have brought ourselves into a privileged position,” said the German ahead of tomorrow’s night’s trip to in-form Middlesbrough.
“In many, many terms, we are playing a top-class season. The points tally is remarkable. The goal difference is remarkable. Our defensive record is remarkable.
“We are by far the best team in the second half of the season, and in so many statistics we are more or less leading.
“The lads have played a fantastic season so far and we are in a situation where we know that we will definitely finish in the top four.
“Of course you want to take that next step and play the perfect season. You want to be promoted to the Premier League. And one result does not change that. We have shown we are capable and we are all highly motivated to achieve it.”
Nor does Farke believe that failure to seize top spot will have any psychological impact on his players.
back to the start of the season,” he said. “Leicester started with nine points, Ipswich started with nine points. So ever from this moment, we have had to chase.
“Would we have appreciated leading from the front? Yes. But it’s not like we have given anything away. We are still in the chasing mode and that’s what we had done for 43 games. We are inching closer and we still have a chance to finish in the top two, which is great.”
Middlesbrough have made an impressive fist of the play-off chase, too. A nine-game unbeaten run has propelled the Teessiders up the Championship table.
The stellar form of sixthplaced Norwich means their revival will probably be in vain - the dream could be over by the time Boro kickoff - but manager Michael Carrick is keen to build a head of steam ahead of next season.
“The boys have found a good level of performance, a good rhythm,” said the former Manchester United mid“ fielder. “We’ve had a good run, not enough for what we wanted to achieve, but nevertheless there have been a lot of positive things recently.
“That’s something we want to build on as the season comes to an end. The positivity and the confidence, winning games - that can only stand us in good stead for next year.
“And regardless of what’s going on in the league, it’s a good rivalry and a big game. We know what’s at stake for Leeds and it’ll be a competitive game for sure. It’s an occasion in itself and the boys are all aware that there’s a little bit more on this one. We just want to get the win.”