Firpo seemed destined to depart Leeds last summer following relegation, but for various reasons, he stayed with the club. Despite an injury sidelining him for much of the first half of the season, he declined offers elsewhere, feeling settled both on and off the pitch at Leeds.
Since the start of the new year, Firpo has solidified his place at left-back, outperforming Sam Byram with five assists in 16 starts, a significant improvement from his previous seasons. He credits Farke as the best manager he’s had at Leeds, appreciating Farke’s approach to full-back play.
Having experienced multiple managers at Leeds, including struggles with the systems of Bielsa and Marsch, Firpo finds Farke’s style suits him best. His recent resurgence in form under Farke has been noteworthy, with increased assists compared to previous seasons.
As Leeds prepares for the summer, attention turns to loaned-out players returning to the squad. While some departures have been permanent, others like Aaronson face uncertain futures. Roca, on loan at Real Betis, is desired by the Spanish club, potentially complicating negotiations for a permanent transfer.
Rutter, despite being a standout in the Championship team of the season, has faced challenges, notably against teams employing deep defensive tactics. His experience against Coventry exemplifies this struggle. Prutton predicts a hard-fought victory for Leeds against Middlesbrough, a crucial match for their promotion aspirations.
Farke faces selection dilemmas, particularly in defense and attack, with injuries and form considerations influencing his choices. Meslier remains the preferred goalkeeper, while uncertainties persist in the attacking lineup, with Bamford and Joseph vying for a starting role alongside other key players like Gnonto, Rutter, and Summerville.
