Daniel Farke's message to Dominic Calvert-Lewin amid goal drought for England-bound Leeds United star
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke believes a change of environment could prove beneficial for England-bound Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The 29-year-old has enjoyed a new lease of life at Elland Road, shaking off injury troubles to become a talismanic figure in the Leeds frontline.
He was recently rewarded with a recall to the England squad having last featured for the Three Lions in 2021.
However, the most recent of his 10 goals in Leeds colours was registered back in early February when the Whites swept Nottingham Forest aside.
Calvert-Lewin is heading to Thomas Tuchel’s England camp after six games without a goal, but Farke has urged his first-choice forward to remain patient.
Daniel Farke’s message for Dominic Calvert-Lewin
He said: “Sometimes, to have a different set-up could also help. I have got the feeling with him he is pretty focused.
“He is experienced enough to know, as a striker, sometimes you just have to watch the ball and then you have a record streak of whatever it was, five or six games in a row where he scores.
“Sometimes, you even miss a penalty. Sometimes, you have the spell and you have to stay patient and stay positive.
“You have to handle your emotions. He’s experienced enough in order to know he just has to keep going and delivering, and not to concentrate just on goals, more or less concentrate on working for the team and then the goals will come automatically. Some positive experience with Thomas and his team can be very beneficial.”
Opportunity knocks
Tuchel has named an inflated squad ahead of friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan, scheduled for March 27 and March 31 respectively.
He has done so to reduce the load for some of his established figures and get a closer look at those knocking on the door ahead of this summer’s World Cup. Some of the former will not report for duty until later in the week, but Calvert-Lewin will be in the camp early doors.
Farke said: “He deserves it. He had difficult years behind him, many doubters, and he’s played a fantastic season so far. Again, the season’s not over.
“It’s not just that I wanted him to achieve a call-up, I want to achieve with him that we stay in this league. This is the main goal and for that, hopefully he chips in with a few more goals, a few more assists and also some further good performances.
“It should give him confidence. He’s a confident boy anyway, so I was not too worried before, but it will definitely do him no harm.”