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Leeds United’s Daniel Farke’s post-match verdict points to a transfer plan well in place this summer – View

Leeds United’s Daniel Farke’s post-match verdict points to a transfer plan well in place this summer – View

Soccer Soccer – Championship – Play-off Final – Leeds United v Southampton – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – May 26, 2024 Leeds United manager Daniel Farke reacts REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Leeds United missed out on promotion to the Premier League at Wembley on Sunday as they were beaten 1-0 by Southampton and Daniel Farke is leaving him to pick up the pieces this summer.

Leeds’ chance to return to the Premier League at the first question came with a trip to Wembley to face a Southampton side in a similar position after being relegated in the last quarter alongside the Whites.

However, it was Russell Martin’s side who earned promotion with a 1–0 victory thanks to Adam Armstrong’s poor first-half finish.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke addresses the shortcomings of the play-off final

Southampton saw out the game and saw off Leeds’ attempts to pose a threat quite well, running out 1-0 winners as arguably deserved winners.

For Daniel Farke, he was left to reflect on the poor result after the game which once again highlighted a key flaw for Leeds as it has been in the automatic promotion race: the squad’s inexperience.

Farke had this to say (via YEP):

“When you have a game where you don’t score, yes, the offensive players could have been more effective. Our decision making in the first half was not top notch, especially in the first half, when we could play a final pass, we weren’t precise or tidy enough or we weren’t 100% committed to passing or finishing.

“But we look at how young my forwards are. Armstrong knows this league, he has this situation, he is fully in it and he is there with a clinical strike. That was the difference.

“It’s not the day to criticize my offensive guys too much. If Rodon passes the ball to Piroe, he shoots it into an empty net. Dan James hits the crossbar. It doesn’t jump over the line, but in front of the line and it’s not a goal and you get the feeling that it wasn’t meant to be.”

Will Leeds be promoted next season?

Daniel Farke shares summer plans, suggests autographs with experience

As for how Leeds fix this to ensure they are in the top flight in 2025, Farke could be looking at new signings quite quickly.

He also had this to say (via The Athletic):

“It’s always a bit difficult when you don’t know exactly what league you’re in.

“In the background we have been preparing a lot, but there will be a lot of work in the next week. We are prepared for different scenarios, but before you press the button, you need to know what league you are in.

“We have clarity and can go into details. I’m not sure if everything will be fully ready for pre-season, but once the season starts I think we’ll be there.”

While the German is coy about what will be required going forward, his repeated focus on Leeds’ inexperience strongly suggests the way will go in the summer.

Sam Byram was one such signing, Kenny McLean (32) was also an attempted purchase from Norwich, which could indicate how Leeds could rectify their lack of older heads in the side for the summer future

The areas that Leeds will need are clearly in both areas, producing decisive moments to pull the team, as Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton have all succeeded through players with plenty of experience in the Championship and in their general football careers.

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