The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 17th October)

Good Morning. It's Friday 17th October, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road

Harrison scripted to start at Burnley

During yesterday’s press conference, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke confirmed what many fans suspected after an International break— injury chaos has struck again. The German tactician revealed he’ll be without Wilfred Gnonto, Dan James, and, most likely, Noah Okafor, who has managed to aggravate his groin injury just in time for the weekend fixture. He also announced that Karl Darlow will continue between the posts, despite Lucas Perri being back to full fitness.

One might think this is a good opportunity for a tactical reshuffle or a bold new approach, but anyone who has followed Farke’s managerial habits knows better — change is not in his vocabulary unless absolutely mandated by fate.

So, what can we expect at Burnley? In a word: repetition. The line-up will almost certainly mirror last week’s, the week before, and quite possibly the one before that too. Continuity is Farke’s mantra, and while consistency can breed stability, it also makes you wonder if he’s ever tempted to shuffle the deck. The only likely alteration will see Jack Harrison fill the void left by Okafor — a swap so predictable it may have already been scripted.

Harrison spent the International Break in Marbella at a private training camp. Now, call me cynical, but that’s a stroke of timing worthy of a standing ovation. Just as Leeds face an injury to one of their leading players, up pops Harrison, sun-kissed and match-ready. Coincidence? Maybe the Leeds United PR machine has been working overtime, ensuring his extra training was well publicised. I feel so used....

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Harry Gray set to commit his future to Leeds Utd

Daniel Farke has dropped a major hint that teen sensation Harry Gray could soon put pen to paper on his first professional contract with the club, ending speculation about his future. Gray, who turned 17 earlier this month, recently became eligible to sign professional terms—an important milestone for one of the academy’s brightest young prospects. Although the striker is currently sidelined with a hip flexor injury and will miss the upcoming trip to Burnley, Farke’s comments this week have given fans plenty of reason for optimism.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Farke suggested that talks are progressing well behind the scenes. “Normally, we only speak once business is done—this is one of my principles,” he explained. “But of course, behind the scenes we are building for the future. Harry is a young player, yes, but we see a lot in him. I expect there will be some positive news in the future.”

The Leeds boss also acknowledged that the timing of any announcement might align with Gray’s return to full fitness. “It makes sense to confirm a new contract once a player is fit and available,” Farke added, implying that Gray’s situation could be resolved soon after he rejoins training.

Gray has already made two senior matchday squads this season and continues to attract attention for his maturity, work rate, and technical ability. Despite not yet making his competitive first-team debut, his progress has been closely monitored within the club. Expected back in team training next week, Gray looks set to play a growing role in Leeds United’s long-term plans—a development that underlines Farke’s strategy of blending youthful talent with experience for the future.

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What a bunch of absolute crocks. The modern footballer is a joke with all these ridiculous injuries. As for preferring an unchanged team, Bielsa was the same

 

Hey gaffer I've tweaked my wrist lifting my wallet .... we've gone from playing through the pain barrier aka billy,norm,etc too a bunch of ...pity the don isn't around for a good old fashioned soapy rub down back in the day

 

This paragraph in Elland brekky post sums up the problem that many Leeds fans have with Farke

“One might think this is a good opportunity for a tactical reshuffle or a bold new approach, but anyone who has followed Farke’s managerial habits knows better — change is not in his vocabulary unless absolutely mandated by fate”

 

He is averaging just over a point per game so why do we need a “tactical reshuffle”. Bielsa used to have a plan A, plan B was to go three at the back if the opposition played two up top and we generally played badly and looked disjointed when we did. Forest have just sacked their coach and brought one in whose tactical approach is completely different, how’s that working out for them? Many coaches have a preferred system and bring players in that suit their style of play. I get some on here don’t like or rate Farke, criticise him all you like when he deserves it, but I’m not sure he currently does.

 

well you do have a point and a good one at that