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Leeds boss Daniel Farke says upcoming Burnley game is not a 'must-win'

Farke speaks to the media ahead of Leeds' match at Burnley
Farke speaks to the media ahead of Leeds' match at BurnleyČTK / imago sportfotodienst / Karl Vallantine

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has spoken to the press as he prepares to take on Burnley on Saturday afternoon.

Burnley have won all four of their league points at home this season in a stat that will worry Leeds as they travel to Turf Moor.

However, Leeds picked up their first away win against Wolves before the break and will be confident heading into the tie. 

Positive team news

Farke first gave some team news ahead of the game, which was mostly positive. A win could help Leeds into the top half of the table in what would be a huge boost for his side as they fight against relegation.

"Today more or less the first time the players are all back together. Several players were able to return to the training pitch, others needed individual recovery sessions.

"We'll just have them all together tomorrow in the final session so it's a bit tricky to prepare, but we are used to it. 

"We'll have to take some late decisions because of workload, knocks, late flights. We'll do that after our final session tomorrow afternoon before we travel to Burnley." 

Mixed injury news

However, Farke next opened up further on injury news which was a mixed bag, with updates on the likes of Dan James and Willy Gnonto.

"The good news with Lucas Perri is he was able to train the last two weeks with us, he also used the international break to build up his fitness level.

"With Willy Gnonto he won't be able to be with us for this game. His calf issue is sorted, but he used the international beak to have a little hernia surgery so its not a major thing, but he will be back in team training next week and maybe available for next Friday (v West Ham, October 24th).

"Very positive news with Dan James becaues he is a little ahead of schedule with his rehab, so credit to our medical departerment and rehab coaches. He's been in training but not in contention for the starting line-up. He's in contention to be in the squad - I didn't expect this.

"Noah Okafor is struggling a bit with some abductor issues."

Is this a must win game?

Next, questions turned to whether this is a must-win game for Leeds, who have the constant threat of relegation looming over the club after being promoted last season.

"Games on a Premier League level are always big, all 38 games. You have to prepare like for a festive period for each and every game, if not you have no chance at Premier League level.

"It's definitely not a must-win game, it's an away game for a newly promoted side, you're always the underdog as a newly promoted side playing away.

"Last season Burnley had a fantastic season, 100 points, they were our two most difficult games last season, why should it be must-win now? We didn't win against them last season, and still managed to win the league with 100 points so it's definitely not must-win."

Next four games will be difficult

Finally, the media asked if the next four games against Brighton, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and of course Burnley are easier because they are against lower-half team.

"It doesn't matter where you win the points, you can also take points as an underdog against the top teams. In the end you have to be there with a one points average per team. I wouldn't label it as a easier period for us, it's the other way round.

"The last four games we've had excellent performances, would have deserved more points from those ganes. Solid performance level, and exactly the average of points we need per game. It could and should have been a bit more, we were unlucky.

"I would say the next four games is a more difficult period because we have three away games and just one at home."

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