Rovers reverse just blip for boss
MIDDLESBRO’ v LEEDS UNITED
Tomorrow, Kick-off: 8pm
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.
“Think 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 anyth
