Ex-Gladbacher in the TM interview
© Imago
Seven game days before the end of the season, the promotion race in the English championship could hardly be more exciting: on par with FC Burnley (81 points) and two points behind Sheffield (83) Leeds United ranks in second place, which entitles you to a direct passage in the Premier League. The latter strives for the German coach Daniel Farke with the Peacocks after having to go over the play-offs last year and failed there in the final due to Southampton. The 48-year-old could hire the record of the English trainer legend Neil Warnock and made the leap into the English Oberhaus for the third time.
Transfer market spoke with former Gladbach trainers about the gap between Premier League and Championship, alternatives to the overpriced English market, personal details such as top scorer Joël Piroe, Wilfried Gnonto or ex-protégé Julian Weigl and the advantages of a compact squad.
Transfer market: In the past, they have played several times for promotion to the Premier League, both with Norwich and with Leeds. It currently looks like all three promoters from the past season are being relegated. Is the gap between the Premier League and the Championship bigger and bigger?
Daniel Farke: The differences are actually getting bigger. The Premier League has a financial power that generates enormous resources through TV money and sponsorship. In the championship, however, many clubs fight with limited means. It is difficult to bridge this gap, especially if a climber cannot immediately invest the right investments.
Transfer market: Which factors play a role and what are the requirements in your eyes in order to be able to establish themselves as a promoted in the Premier League?
Farke: It is all about quality and depth in the squad, but also about infrastructure and long -term planning. An association must be ready to invest in players, training conditions and scouting. Without these foundations, it is almost impossible to assert yourself in the Premier League.
Transfer market: According to the TM database, Leeds currently has the smallest squad in the league-isn’t that too little with 46 league games plus possible play-offs?
Farke: Of course, a small squad with 46 league games plus play-offs is a challenge. We have to rotate cleverly and avoid injuries. But I have also seen that a compact squad can have advantages – it promotes team spirit and identification.
Transfer market: The top 4 of the Championship has squad values between 135 million and 195 million euros and are therefore at a level of Hoffenheim, Gladbach, Mainz or Freiburg. You know both leagues very well – how do you think you are currently doing Leeds in the Bundesliga?
Farke: There are more games and a different intensity in the championship, while the Bundesliga challenges the width. It would be crucial how quickly the team could adapt to the specific requirements of the Bundesliga. We would definitely be competitive.
Transfer market: Last summer, many top performers switched to the Premier League after the missed promotion – the bottom line is the transfer plus 130 million euros. How confident are you that the core of your team can be held together when it comes to promotion in summer? Currently, only three contracts expire …
Farke: A transfer plus is always positive for the stability of the association. I am optimistic that we can keep the core of the team – this is crucial for sustainable success.
Transfer market: Leeds belongs to the RB cosmos: To what extent makes it difficult or favors this fact with negotiations with other clubs and players?
Farke: As a trainer, I cannot answer that substantially. This is more of a question for our Chairman Paraag Marathe.
Farke about recruitment and transfers: “Our strategy must be flexible”
Transfer market: They recently referred to the English market as “overpriced” and also referred to the aggravation rule of EFL. Which markets are your focus on recruiting?
Farke: The domestic market is overpriced, that’s right. That means we have to be creative and look outside the box. The EFL foreigner rule requires a clever balance between domestic and international players. It is important to prioritize which markets are attractive to us. The German market remains interesting, especially due to the high quality of training and the tactical characteristics of the players. Nevertheless, the Brexit-related regulations make recruiting from Europe more difficult. Our strategy must therefore be flexible. We are increasingly looking at markets outside of Europe, where talented players are available at more moderate costs. At the same time, it is important to integrate your own offspring more in order to act in the long term regardless of transfer restrictions.
Transfer market: Rumors recently circulated about an interest in her ex-protégé Julian Weigl. Would he be a player type that could enrich the current squad of Leeds United?
Farke: Julian is a great footballer and person. He could enrich many teams with their qualities. In this phase of the season, however, my focus is fully on our current squad and on it to get the best out of the team.
Transfer market: Wilfried Gnonto, acted as one of the most promising offensive talents in Europe in 2022, had problems after an ankle injury. How satisfied are you with his developments and can you imagine that he will make the leap into the international elite?
Farke: Wilfried Gnonto has developed great. Like almost every young player, he still has room for improvement – especially in the consistency of his achievements. I can imagine many players wherever things could go, in the end the boys have to implement it. ((laughs)))
Transfer market: The association decided against the commitment of a new striker in January and Joël Piroe still has a good chance of becoming top scorer of the championship this season …
Farke: Joel was outstanding this season – his efficiency in front of the goal makes him a key player for us.
Transfer market: Last season, her team had to give up 0-1 in the play-off final against Southampton. Was that one of the most painful days of their career?
Farke: Such defeats remain in the memory, since they are often accompanied by hard work and great expectations. Nevertheless, they are part of football and also offer an opportunity to learn from it and come back more. I always try to use such experiences positively in order to further develop myself and my team.
Leeds’ Farke about Warnock comparison: “Don’t focus on personal best”
Transfer market: How do you rate the ascent mode on the island?
Farke: I experienced both sides of the promotion medal in my career on the island-both the euphoria with Norwich City and the pain of defeat with Leeds United in the play-off final against Southampton. The English system with the play-offs undoubtedly creates an enormous tension and drama that inspires fans, media and sponsors. It is not for nothing that one speaks of the “million dollar game” when you look at the financial dimensions. In a 24 league, it is also more difficult to reach one of the three promotion places than in an 18 league. We take the rule as it is. This marathon is a special challenge.
Transfer market: Only one trainer has so far managed to create the league three times in the Premier League introduced in 1992/93: Neil Warnock. Now you could do the same – does this record spur you?
Farke: I feel great respect for Neil Warnock and his impressive career. It would certainly be something special to step into the footsteps of such a record holder. Nevertheless, my focus is not on personal best brands, but on achieving the best for the club and the fans with Leeds United. The climb would be a great success for all of us and that drives me every day.
Interview: Thomas Deterding and Ben Littlemore