'We aren't satisfied' - Leeds United's Ao Tanaka makes admission ahead of AFC Bournemouth trip
Ao Tanaka has looked ahead to Leeds United’s trip to AFC Bournemouth
Leeds United sit seventh in the Premier League table ahead of their trip to AFC Bournemouth - but Ao Tanaka has insisted they are not satisfied.
Daniel Farke’s side want to live more comfortably this term having spent last season battling for survival.
They have made a strong start to the 2026/27 campaign, losing just once, yet Tanaka has made it clear the Whites want more.
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Ao Tanaka’s Leeds United admission
The 28-year-old midfielder told Premier League Studios: “I'm happy to be seventh - we aren't satisfied but it's a good start.
“The Premier League is the best league in the world so we know how difficult it is to get a point in every game but I feel better than I expected.
“This is a massive opponent. This is a massive challenge. Bournemouth is such a good team, especially recently, the results have been so good. And it's a massive game for us as well, because we didn't win four games. We want to win the game.
“This is a massive game, massive opponent. [They are] a bit different than last season, because they changed the manager. But still, they have quality players, quality tactics, so I'm looking forward to playing against them.”
Fighting for minutes
Tanaka made 14 league starts across the entirety of last season but already has six under his belt this term. He has won and retained the faith of Leeds boss Daniel Farke, who has been deploying him in the heart of midfield with Ethan Ampadu.
He said: “Of course, every player wants to play every game. And we have such a good squad, so it's not easy to play every game, starting and coming on as well.
“But for me, I have to show quality in training, on the pitch, and in the game. I didn't play the first game at the beginning of the season, but I know what I need to do in the pitch. So now I feel like I could show my quality every game.
“I feel I'm a different player, because I'm not strong. I'm not a physical player, but I feel like I have ability to control the ball and tactics as well. This is what we need. So that's why I have to show my quality every game.”
Leeds will lock horns with Bournemouth at 3pm tomorrow (October 31).