Quote Originally Posted by hopelesslyoptimistic View Post
Those stats don’t really address the point being made about two specific players nor the general observation over the last 2 and a bit season as to how Farke rotates squads.

Bijol has had zero PL minutes and he was supposed to be our marquee signing. That is perplexing. Tanaka has fared a bit better but tends to come on as a very late sub - there is no suggestion he isn’t good enough. The game v Fulham which I was at was crying out for him to come on for Stach after 60 mins as Stach was out on his feet. It didn’t happened.

We hay have used 21 players but the stats you produced don’t show how many minutes or what time they can on.

Not saying Farke is an awful coach but subs and squad rotation has been a consistent weakness - if Gruev and Ampadu hadn’t got injured Tanaka (and Rothwell) would never have got anywhere near the time they did last year and deserved to have.

The list of players grumbling about it continues to grow at Leeds and he has had it elsewhere too.

Crew made zero minutes last season before his loan to Rovers - he is clearly good enough. Gray has made zero minutes this season. He is the age where 5 minutes here and there gives him a taste and is good for development.

Giving players like Tanaka, Gnonto (when fit) or Justin 5 to 15 minutes here and there is neither good generally for squad harmony and if injuries occur and they are needed it means they are not match fit.

Farke is not a top tier elite manager so will have flaws and this seems to be one of them.
how do you strike a balance between giving players enough playing time and avoiding discontent within the squad ?

i saw what the Slovenian manager said about Bijol situation when asked ..... so he must have had a word with Farke about the player and agreed with Farkes response.......

coaches cannot dismiss natural fitness/stamina and personality...... which will also dictate how you rotate a player as well.......

but if a player is overplayed or injury prone.... as Rodon and Struijk are prime examples of with one being overplayed and the other injury prone..... then as we head into busier schedules as i said...... all will get their chance.

very different for keepers as age and experience can help more for their specific individual demands...... which is tough on younger keepers learning their trades, as I know well....... even City signed an excellent keeper in Donnarumma who still needs work on aspects of his game....... as did we...... but the new Puma ball scenario is made for the attributes and strengths of Perri..... even though his footwork needs more work on.... as does his sweeping up and kicking distribution which Darlow is better at presently......but is not so good with his reflex situ........

just think your being a tad harsh on Farke.....as players we have bought in are not the finished articles yet..... and could end up getting mugged in Premier league resulting in low confidence all round..... there will be ideal games for their inclusion and matches so far were not ideal in my mind........ they will get their game time as we go on....as in side before self discipline.

MOT