Gabriel Gudmundsson on his evolving Leeds role after Daniel Farke switch | OneFootball

Gabriel Gudmundsson has detailed how his role has shifted at Leeds United following Daniel Farke’s tactical change, six months into his Elland Road stay. Leeds Live reports that the 26-year-old is now operating as a wing-back in a three-five-two after the manager moved away from four-three-three.

He has started every home game and has already experienced big Elland Road nights, including the 3-3 fightback against Liverpool in December, which helped ease pressure on Farke. Last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford stretched the unbeaten league run to three for the first time since August 2022.

Gudmundsson says the wing-back brief gives him more licence to attack without a winger ahead of him and keeps him closer to the touchline, which allows greater aggression. He is equally content to switch responsibilities when Farke reverts to a back four and wingers during games, as seen against Liverpool and Brentford to force late momentum.

There have been setbacks. He admitted he was hurting for two days after his stoppage-time own goal in September’s 1-0 loss to Fulham, and he was later dropped at Manchester City after scrutiny over goals conceded down his side before returning for the win over Chelsea. Farke has since said the former Lille defender is settling, noting that Premier League adaptation takes time and that he has defended well whether in a five or a four.

Gudmundsson, who can also slot into the back three, is expected to start against Crystal Palace on Saturday as Leeds aim to extend that sequence and stay out of the bottom three at Christmas. The fixture was brought forward from Sunday to tonight due to Palace’s congestion, a change quietly welcomed at Elland Road given the intensified evening atmosphere. The Swede says they feel especially strong at home and believe they can take something whoever visits.

Source: Leeds Live