'Not world-class' - Daniel Farke explains Noah Okafor decision after Leeds United's draw with Chelsea
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has explained why Noah Okafor did not start as the Whites drew 2-2 with Chelsea.
The 25-year-old dazzled in Leeds’ 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest last week, scoring as the Whites put Sean Dyche’s men to the sword.
However, he did not make the starting XI for the club’s trip down to Stamford Bridge.
The Swiss wideman did step off the bench to score and Farke has insisted it was a case of the head having to rule over the heart.
Noah Okafor decision explained
As reported by our sister title, the Yorkshire Evening Post, Farke said: “[It was] very difficult but the head had to win over the heart.
“Noah, due to his physical attributes, he needs a bit longer to recover. We were expecting our wingers would have to work a lot against the ball and with all due respect to him, he's not world-class perhaps against the ball.
“The plan was to keep the game tight and to change our base formation a bit during the game and bring more offensive players into the second half.
“It was not the plan to be 2-0 down but nevertheless the gameplan was in the last 20, 30 minutes to win the points or even win the game. All credit to my players for winning a priceless point."
‘Proper night of football’
Goals from Lukas Nmecha and Okafor put Leeds back on level terms after the game appeared to be getting away from Farke’s men.
Leeds have risen to 15th in the Premier League table, jumping above Tottenham Hotspur, but a point for West Ham United against Manchester United meant the Whites could not extend their lead over the 18th-placed Hammers.
Farke said: "[It was a] proper night of football. Great night for everyone involved with Leeds United. I'm very proud of my players and just have compliments for them.
“Chelsea in red-hot form, just wins in the Premier League here and just wins in the Champions League.
“We have to come here as a newly-promoted side, several key players out, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Anton Stach, Pascal Struijk, the backbone of the team [and it was] some players' first starts after injury.”