Leeds United Boss Daniel Farke Reveals What He Told His Players at Half-Time Before Arsenal Heartbreak

Leeds United manager Daniel Farke was convinced his side could beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and his half-time message to the players has now revealed just how confident he was before their heartbreaking 2-1 defeat.

The Whites produced an impressive performance against the reigning Premier League champions on Saturday, October 10, frustrating Mikel Arteta’s side for long periods and creating several dangerous opportunities. After a goalless first half, James Justin fired Leeds into the lead in the 55th minute, giving the visitors a genuine chance of leaving north London with a memorable result.

And Farke believed there was even more to come from his team. Speaking after the match, the Leeds boss revealed what he told his players during the interval: “I told them at half-time if we keep going we’ll win this game.” It was a bold message against a side boasting some of the best players in the country, but Leeds looked capable of delivering on their manager’s belief as they continued to trouble Arsenal after the restart.

Unfortunately for Leeds, football can change in the blink of an eye. Riccardo Calafiori levelled the score in the 62nd minute before substitute Bruno Guimarães completed Arsenal’s comeback eight minutes later. Despite Leeds’ efforts to find another equaliser, the hosts held on to claim all three points, leaving Farke heartbroken for his players after a performance he felt deserved a better reward.

Farke did not hide his disappointment after the final whistle, admitting that he was proud of his players but gutted they had nothing to show for their efforts. The defeat ended Leeds’ unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign, yet their display offered plenty of encouragement for the matches ahead. For a team facing the reigning champions away from home, there were genuine positives to take from the contest. The question now is whether Leeds can turn those encouraging performances into points when they return to action.