Daniel Farke, the manager of Leeds United, has stated that he will probably switch up his starting lineup during the holiday season to prevent injuries and knocks caused by excessive activity.
During the following two weeks, during which Leeds is expected to play four games, Farke says the club would “listen to the science” in respect to player fitness. In what could turn out to be a particularly important match for the Whites overall, Leeds first hosts Ipswich Town tomorrow lunchtime. Over the following six days, the Whites will then visit Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion. Leeds’ Christmas fixture schedule comes to an end on New Year’s Day when they host Birmingham City at home.
The United boss admitted on Thursday it was hardly a secret that he would rotate his options over this period. Farke has tended not to make sweeping changes to his starting line-ups this season, however the quick turnaround between fixtures at the midway point of an already demanding campaign is likely to force his hand.
Fortunately, Leeds have options in reserve with cover in most positions for those who have played central roles so far this season. The likes of Willy Gnonto, Jaidon Anthony and Ilia Gruev have seen decidedly fewer minutes than many would have anticipated, although this is largely due to the good form of first-choice options.
“I think it’s important to listen to the science, listen to the data,” Farke said in his pre-Ipswich press conference. “Each and every day we analyse for example, data about recovery and how tired players are or if there is an injury risk. We take a lot of care and try to manage the load also in training.”
“You have to be smart and even more focused on good recovery, good habits in terms of good nutrition, enough sleep. Timing the training sessions is always a bit tricky for example when you have a difficult away game in the evening on the 29th [West Brom] and you are just back home and the players are not in bed before early morning, three or four o’clock in the morning and two days later you have to play the next game.
“You have to adapt the training times a bit and you have to be smart on your recovery,” Farke added.
Leeds have not struggled with injuries this season as much as previous years, however with matches coming thick and fast the squad will be put to the test.
“I think it’s also not a secret that I would predict we won’t start all four games in ten days with the same starting line-up,” Farke admitted. “You have to mix it up a little bit, that’s also quite normal, that’s what we always do, this is more or less the approach but I’m obviously used to this period on this level.
“Yes, although it’s a family time of year Christmas – not for the football players. We have to be focused on the games and this is what we will do.”
