Leeds United found themselves entangled in a relentless fixture schedule imposed by Sky Sports, forcing them to gulp down eight matches within a mere 27 days. This congested lineup, far from advantageous, was deemed by manager Daniel Farke as an ordeal for the team.
Initially, Sky Sports rescheduled their match against Middlesbrough to a Monday night, nine days after their previous fixture, only to then advance their next match against a London team with a mere three-day gap. This abrupt change jeopardized the availability of key players like Patrick Bamford, who might have been fit for a weekend match.
When questioned about the potential advantage of playing before Ipswich Town, Farke dismissed the notion entirely, acknowledging the unfavorable situation for both teams. He pointed out that Ipswich faced a similar challenge of playing three matches in seven days after a two-week hiatus, caused by Coventry City’s cup run.
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Leeds’ decision to reschedule their postponed match against Norwich City earlier in the season contributed to their current predicament, opting for a heavier schedule in January and February to secure a smoother run-in towards the end of the season. However, this strategy backfired as they now faced a compressed fixture list.
Farke expressed frustration at the inconsistency in scheduling, particularly the Monday fixture followed by two away games within four days, a departure from the usual Friday evening matches. Despite the adverse circumstances, he emphasized the team’s commitment to adapting and not using it as an excuse, albeit acknowledging its impact on player availability and recovery.
The season’s fixture irregularities presented a challenge for Leeds, but Farke emphasized the club’s resilience and determination to overcome obstacles in pursuit of their goals.
