“I am pleased” - Daniel Farke makes surprising Leeds United claim after Burnley defeat | OneFootball

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke insists there were positives to take from the 1-0 defeat at home to Burnley.

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has claimed he was ‘pleased’ with how his side played against Burnley, as he rued their lack of ruthlessness in the final third.

A Luca Koleosho goal was enough to give the Clarets all three points at Elland Road, as he scored a fine individual effort in the first-half.

On the whole, it was backs against the wall for large parts for Burnley, who should’ve fallen behind as Mateo Joseph had a clear chance in the early stages.

Leeds also felt they should’ve had a penalty when Joe Worrall slid in on Manor Solomon, but their appeals were waved away.

Daniel Farke discusses Leeds United performance vs Burnley

Nevertheless, despite controlling possession and territory, Burnley will feel they were quite comfortable for large parts, as they soaked up the pressure with relative ease.

Yet, speaking to Leeds Live, Farke explained that he can take positives from the display.

“It's the most frustrating when you go back to the dressing room, and you cannot explain how you did not win this game.

“After this difficult break, with so many players travelling, I did not expect to be this dominant. How we started the game, on the front foot. Dominated the stats. Not effective enough in the decisive moments. After two minutes, we should have had a better finish from Mateo. Willy has a great chance too.

“Performance-wise, cannot be perfect after the break, but to dominate a good side like Burnley, one of the title favourites, an experienced coach, good players, I am pleased. Not happy with our effectiveness.

“We created a situation where we should have had a penalty. Most unfair sport in the world being this dominant, but not winning. I know after a loss you are not allowed to speak about this, but the game encouraged me that we will have a good season. Being that dominant against such a good side, you have a good set-up for a positive season.”

Leeds United must improve in front of goal

Whilst they dominated possession and had more shots, they only had one more effort on target than Burnley, and they simply didn’t force James Trafford into making enough high-quality saves.

Fans are expecting much more, and immediate questions will be asked about the failure to replace Georginio Rutter after his departure for Brighton.

But, he does have a point in the sense that Leeds shouldn’t overreact to this defeat.

Obviously, it’s disappointing, but it’s not like they were outplayed by Burnley, and, had Joseph scored that early chance, or a penalty been given for the incident with Solomon, the view would change considerably.

So, there shouldn’t be any panic at Leeds, and Farke’s experience at this level will ensure he can keep a level head, as he knows that it’s a marathon not a sprint.