Daniel Farke's parting message to players as they jet off for international break | OneFootball

Daniel Farke sent his Leeds United players off into the international break with a message.

Any international break tends to begin in the same way, with Leeds players jetting off in all directions either to join up with their national teams or to enjoy some downtime, be that on holiday or in their countries of origin. This September break is no different. Not long after the final whistle of the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace players were turning their attention to travel plans with flights booked from Sunday night onwards. But this break is different in another way, because it will last three weeks.

For the 2026/27 season, FIFA merged the traditional September and October international breaks into one elongated period. It's a chance for national teams to play up to four games in a single camp. It's a chance for those not involved in international football to get away for a few days before returning to training.

Farke's ideal scenario was to celebrate an Elland Road win with his players before they left the ground and perhaps the country, but he was keen for their draw against Palace to be kept in perspective.

"They were also disappointed that they didn't win it because we had also the chance to move up to third position in the table on 11 points," said the manager. "My lads also dream big and wanted to do this, so for that they needed in the dressing room a bit more of an arm around the shoulder, a bit of criticism of what we could have done better, yes, because we always speak about the things we can do better, but also not to lose the big picture of what we've done overall since the start of the season.

"To be already on nine points after five game days with many, many good performances and top defensive behaviors and be one of very few unbeaten sides on Premier League level is remarkable. And it's also important to not to lose this and make sure that they travel in a good mood and look after themselves during the international break, because some of them already have to travel more or less tonight."

It was important for Farke to get that across to his players immediately after the game before the international break pulls focus.

"I have no chance to see them [after the matchday]," he said. "So for that, a little analysis of the game was also there, so that they don't miss my message. So it's quite busy the matchday just before the international break, because some of them we will just see them again one or two days before the next game."

Taking an unbeaten run into the break was another key for the manager and his players, but to be able to travel to Arsenal for the next fixture in October with the joint-meanest defensive record in the Premier League is a matter of pride.

"Many, many things show more or less the growth [of the team] and this is one aspect, also that you are slightly disappointed with a draw against a side who's playing in this league for 13, 14 years and have won some cups recently.

"Also, you have perhaps one of your more average days and not one of your best days, and you still managed to win a clean sheet and a valuable point. So there are many, many signs of good growth and development of this group and of this club. And for that overall, we have many reasons to be happy also during this international break."