Leeds United had 'worst possible international break', claims Daniel Farke after Watford draw

Top spot in the Championship was surrendered to Ipswich Town, as Leeds delivered an underwhelming display at Vicarage Road. Watford twice took the lead, first through Vakoun Bayo and then through Emmanuel Dennis, but were pegged back by equalisers from Crysencio Summerville and Mateo Joseph.

The game was played following a taxing period for the club’s international players. Ilia Gruev picked up an injury on duty with Bulgaria and Wilfried Gnonto failed to return fit from his time with Italy’s under-21s.

Connor Roberts was also absent after linking up with Wales, while Junior Firpo had to settle for a place on the bench after a draining journey back from Dominican Republic duties.

Leeds’ Welsh quartet, Roberts, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James, were also returning to Leeds having experienced the heartbreak of missing out on Euro 2024.

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Speaking after the draw, Farke said: “I will take this point all day long. I am really happy and proud of the boys. We played this game at the worst possible moment. Watford, they have a new manager and there is new belief, he knows the players inside out and they were unleashed and had a great start.

“We had the worst possible international break. For us three players came back injured and three Welsh players had the disappointment of not being allowed to go to the Euros. We had not one first team training session as a team.

“We had to play this game by just pressing a button and we were not at our best rhythm. Then to play such a second half, I’m pretty happy with the outcome. We found our rhythm and our confidence. If training didn’t matter we would just turn up for the games - it matters.”

Although the evening proved frustrating for the title hopefuls, there were positives to pick out. One was the immediate impact of Joseph, who returned from international duties with Spain under-21s to notch his first league goal of the season.

He said: “The coach said we have to be ready make an impact. I’m happy to help the team get a valuable point and we are happy still to be unbeaten in the league this year.”