Leeds United manager Daniel Farke insists his team will bring an attacking style to their clash against Arsenal on Saturday, aiming to upset the title contenders following their opening-day victory over Everton.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has vowed his team will stick to their attacking philosophy when they face Arsenal at the Emirates this Saturday. The Premier League newcomers will look to build on their 1-0 opening-day victory over Everton, although they face a daunting task against last season’s runners-up, who are one of the title favorites.
What Happened?
Leeds started their return to the Premier League with a morale-boosting win over Everton, lifting confidence within the squad. Now, Farke’s men travel to North London, where Arsenal are expected to field their revamped attack featuring new signings like Viktor Gyokeres. Despite the tough challenge ahead, Farke insists Leeds will not abandon their attacking style.
What Did Farke Say?
In his pre-match comments, Farke emphasized his commitment to positive football:
We won’t sell our DNA in the Premier League this season and park the bus. If you just try to defend for 96 minutes, you have no chance to survive there.
He added:
You have to make sure you have as many periods as possible where you also control the ball and can recover with possession, and let them shift and waste some energy against the ball.
The German manager also acknowledged that Arsenal is one of the toughest teams to face, saying:
They have the highest ambitions, the highest demands. They want to play for every title; they’re one of the strongest opponents you can meet.
The Bigger Picture
While Arsenal will be eager to strengthen their title bid after strengthening their squad in the summer, Leeds are still adjusting to life in the Premier League. Farke’s high-pressing, possession-based approach has been a hallmark of his career, and he is determined to implement this style despite the challenge posed by elite teams like Arsenal.
For Leeds, this clash will be a key test to see if their attacking DNA can stand up against one of the league’s best, as they look to avoid relegation and build a solid foundation in the Premier League.
What’s Next for Leeds and Arsenal?
Arsenal will be keen to start their campaign strongly and solidify their title credentials, while Leeds will aim to frustrate the Gunners and take inspiration from their opening win. This fixture could set the tone for both teams’ aspirations in the season ahead.
