Daniel Farke pre Rotherham
All in all we spent the break in a good mood. We are on a good run and have a few wins in a row. We calmed the load early and last week were trianing with a small group. It's still relatively small because some are still travelling back. You hope they don't come back without problems but there will be late calls. We have to adapt.
Will most train?
There are a few who can't train at all. the players who had minutes yesterday are still travelling and will be with us tomorrow but it will be a little recovery session. I can't send them after they've played into a normal session, it's not possible, that much load. I'm not a friend of Friday night games, it should be Saturday afternoon, but the rules are how they are.
Will they play?
I have to because i can't afford to leave players out. There will be late calls, it's difficult. They have been travelling around the world and sometimes they have important games for their nation and they come back, straight away we travel again. It's difficutl from the mental side. The first game after a break is always tricky, we have to be smart.
Injury news
Some good news with players. Gelhardt, Shackleton and Spence are in team training. All three are fully involved. Byram and Struijk, their recovery is much quicker than we expected, they were both involved today but we have to wait to see how they come through. It will be a late call. It's good news.
Rutter is a doubt
Late decision on Gelhardt, Shackleton and Spence. Shackleton wasn't out too long so it would be easier. Spence is the most difficult position, he had a difficult pre-season and has been out for eight weeks. It depends on which position int he squad we need. There are question marks behind some players. Rutter is a big doubt because he came back with an abdominal strain. He hasn't been able to train with us.
On the Everton punishment
No, I don't comment on this decision. No comment from my side, it's a topic for everyone involved.
Has the build-up to this one been different?
Its more difficult becasue the players have not been around. You want one or two training sessions. I try my best to get the message across, it will be a different game because of the approach. It's always difficult to prepare for a team after a change of manager. We're more concentrated on our injury doubts. I have experienced similar situations in the past. These points have the same value as against Leicester or Plymouth. We have to make sure we're spot on
Is Friday a chance for Bamford?
When a player is not available it's always a chance for others to shine. We'll see if Rutter plays. I never speak about the starting line-up. I speak about my appreciation for Patrick and it's good to have him back for several weeks in training. I would have no problems to have him in the side.
How have you seen the club change since you arrived?
We are still a work in progress. We are working on many areas in this club in order to create a bright future. There are still lots to do. We have to develop and make sure we create a atmosphere of high performance. It's different to a few months ago when there was uncertainty. This club is more stable and on the right path. We have to make sure we work in the background. I feel this club is on a really good road.
How impressed have you been with the academy?
It's important because every club speaks highly of youth but what matters more than words is the actions. This club brings young players through and we're doing thesame this season. It's important to be careful. When a player is ready to go and prepared to play at this level then you have to be brave to allow them to be on the pitch, like what we're doing with Archie Gray. Our average age is young and quite promising. I'm also happy that we have experienced leaders. I had time during this break to follow a game of u13s to make sure that even at that level they work to improve players.
When you target a good start what do you talk to players about?
It's important to set the tone and make sure you have rhythm and play with energy. The first minutes are often decisive. When you face a side sitting deep and you take the lead, they have to open up. Sometimes you can't choose and the opponent also wants to start on the front foot. We have to make sure our awareness level and sharpness is on a top level. We have to play with the same intensity that Rotherham will because they're fighting relegation and be ready for the moments when we have to dig in and fight.
Is there a reason why Pascal and Sam have returned so soon?
Because we have top class physios. It doesn't always go smoothly but I think my medicine department is doing a fantastic job. Pascal and Sam are two players who are ery professional to support their road back and that's a nice little boost. It's credit to our medicine department, sports science and physios. It would be an easy life for a coach without setbacks
How has Rotherham's manager decision changed your plans?
It's tricky because after a change because you expect different decisions in the line-up and formation and the new manager effect. There's always a bit of fresh air and everyone wants to make their point. It's still the same squad though. Their interim coach was also their assistant so I don't expect them to start playing like Man City. You would choose to have a smoother preparation but we will have to fight it.
Are you capable of putting pressure on those above Leeds?
No, we are not interested on anyone else or what it means for the table. We have to win many games to achieve what we want to. If you want play-offs, you need 20 wins, direct promotion you need probably 26 wins. For me it's just the last five or six games when it's the crunch time, until then you stay focused on yourself.
How pleased were you with the way England handled Gray?
I am very happy. It was the right call for him. He is 17 and we have to make sure the mid and long term future, I think he will be crucial to England's future and we shouldn't focus too much on youth levels that he has already outgrown. We have to make sure in which moment it makes sense. He returned and we calmed the load and gave him one or two days off. He feels refreshed and recharged. I'm grateful.