Daniel Farke reacts to Leeds United players’ off-field bonding activity ahead of Norwich City play-off semi-final
The bulk of Leeds’ first-team squad were pictured at a local restaurant following defeat by Southampton last weekend as the squad looks to bond off the pitch before they next take to the field on Sunday.
United’s trip to Carrow Road will see the Whites take part in the Championship play-offs for the first time since 2019, when the team were eliminated at the semi-final stage by Derby County.
A picture of the squad’s group meal emerged on social media this week and has been well-received by supporters, as well as boss Farke.
The German said on Friday afternoon during his pre-match press conference: “I love this and always encourage this. I have a feeling we have a really great spirit. This group is united and so tight together. For me it’s second to none, I think it’s outstanding and why this young team has played such a season with 90 points.
“We’re not the end product but the spirit was always good. In terms of togetherness and unity, you can be united when the sun’s shining, with a club record of unbeaten games, sadly we lost our last two games, they are still so together in these moments. These are the basic ingredients to be successful and be allowed to celebrate. Not a guarantee that we will celebrate but without the spirit you won’t. Hopefully the spirit carries us through the next days and weeks
In related news
Although Will Ferrell, a Hollywood star, has invested in Leeds United, Daniel Farke believes the team won’t succeed because of his star power off the field.
The Anchorman and Elf star is the most recent American celebrity to invest in a minority share with Leeds, as was made public in the hours following Southampton’s defeat last weekend. He joins the 49ers Enterprises investing group, joining the likes of Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, US Ryder Cup players Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, and actor Russell Crowe.
Although Farke is happy that the team has more well-known supporters, he joked that Ferrell won’t be a big help for Sunday’s play-off semifinal against Norwich City.
Farke declared, “We need every man.” We’re all thrilled to have him on board because he’s an amazing performer. However, I don’t think that bringing the ball into the rectangle will do much for us against Norwich. We are appreciative of our many well-known and well-liked supporters, which speaks volumes about the calibre of this club. The players must lead the team to victory; we are unable to act the ball across the line; we must shoot it.”
Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney asked Crowe, who starred in Gladiator, whether he was going to get involved with Wrexham. Crowe then disclosed that he had joined with 49ers Enterprises. “I don’t have any part of what’s going on in Wrexham man,” said Crowe. “I’m incredibly proud of Ryan and Rob and everything they’ve accomplished, but I’m not involved in it. I do, however, now have a very tenuous financial tie to LUFC through the 49ers.” Ferrell is a well-known football fan who has supported his friend Reynolds by showing up at Wrexham games.
Last summer, 49ers Enterprises acquired Leeds United from Italian tycoon Andrea Radrizzani, assuming complete control of the team.
