Daniel Farke urges Leeds to manage Noah Okafor carefully after difficult summer | OneFootball

Daniel Farke says Leeds United must manage Noah Okafor carefully after a difficult summer, focusing on keeping the forward fit and maximising his blistering pace. He views the Swiss attacker as a key figure when available.

According to Leedsunited.news, Okafor has stepped back from Switzerland duty after disagreements with manager Murat Yakin, and a comeback could follow if Switzerland sack Yakin. Farke, however, is focused solely on his club availability.

Farke said Okafor was pivotal late last season with strong numbers and an x-factor in one-v-one moments, combining pace with end product. After injuries at the end of last season and a disrupted pre-season, he cannot be asked to play 90 minutes every time. The head coach noted he often tires after 60-70 minutes, so Leeds must look after him.

He felt giving him breathing space mattered and, from the bench against Chelsea, Okafor set up Dominic and nearly won a penalty. He was also at fault for Chelsea’s fifth.

Leeds host Newcastle on Monday, and Okafor will almost definitely start against The Toon.

Farke still has calls to make in midfield, including who partners Ethan Ampadu and who supplies the creativity. Ao Tanaka and Anton Stach look the likeliest options, while Brenden Aaronson and Harry Wilson registered their first goal contributions last night. Melvin Bard impressed on debut after replacing Gabriel Gudmundsson.

Source: Leedsunited.news

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