Leeds United’s 4-1 win over third-tier side SC Verl on Tuesday marked a notable moment in their pre-season preparations under manager Daniel Farke. Although pre-season games are typically seen as lower-stakes fixtures designed primarily for fitness and experimentation, this victory highlighted much more than just a routine match. Over a total of 120 minutes, Leeds displayed attacking intent, clinical finishing, and glimpses of the tactical discipline that Farke will look to instill in his team as they prepare for what promises to be a season full of challenges. The goals, scored by Willy Gnonto, Lukas Nmecha, and a brace from Joel Piroe, were a reflection of the team’s attacking promise, while the overall performance demonstrated how Farke is already working hard to implement his vision.

For Farke, who has built his reputation on meticulous attention to detail and a perfectionist mentality, this pre-season match was more than just about securing a win—it was about laying the foundations for what he expects from his players, both in terms of fitness and tactical discipline. The game saw four of Leeds’ six new signings involved, with Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson, and Sean Longstaff all starting in the line-up, and Lukas Nmecha coming off the bench to score a tap-in. The presence of these new faces in the starting XI is a clear indication that Farke is keen to integrate them as quickly as possible, as he attempts to build a squad capable of avoiding relegation in the upcoming Premier League season. However, it wasn’t all positive news on the signing front, as Anton Stach failed to get clearance to play in time, while Sebastiaan Bornauw was ruled out for two weeks after picking up an injury in training. While these setbacks are unfortunate, they are a common part of pre-season and will not deter Farke from focusing on the bigger picture.

In terms of tactics, the match revealed Farke’s preference for versatility and adaptability. Leeds, under Farke, are likely to operate in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 system, but the exact shape of the team will depend on the opposition and the players available. The inclusion of new signings in the starting lineup was strategic, with Farke aiming to build chemistry among his squad while also assessing which players can fit into his tactical framework. Among the new players, Longstaff, who was signed from Newcastle United, stood out as a key component in midfield. The Englishman was tasked with maintaining the right balance between defensive duties and creative link-up play in the middle of the park, and Farke was quick to provide him with instructions from the touchline, signaling his emphasis on the precise execution of his game plan. Alongside Longstaff, Ilia Gruev was also expected to contribute defensively, while Gudmundsson, another new addition, provided technical quality and creativity further forward.

While the game was largely a demonstration of Farke’s tactical ideas, it also allowed for some experimentation. His instructions to Longstaff and Gruev to ensure the right “distance” between them in midfield were a clear indication that Farke is looking to develop a solid base from which the team can build attacks and press effectively. For a manager who places such high demands on his players, these moments of tactical feedback will be crucial for Leeds as they look to refine their system ahead of the season opener. At the same time, Farke is also making sure that his players don’t become complacent in their performances, which was evident in his vocal criticisms of Jack Harrison during the first 60 minutes of the match.

Harrison, who had returned to Leeds after a two-year loan spell at Everton, was on the receiving end of Farke’s sharp words for being too slow on the ball. The winger was instructed to be quicker to get inside and make an impact on the game, rather than lingering on the left flank. This focus on speed and decisiveness is a key part of Farke’s philosophy, which demands that his players move the ball quickly and take advantage of space when it arises. For Harrison, whose Leeds future had been uncertain after his loan spell at Everton, this was a crucial moment to prove his worth. Although he has a contract remaining at Leeds, his future at the club will depend on how well he can adapt to Farke’s methods and deliver consistent performances. With Farke’s emphasis on direct play and quick decision-making, Harrison’s ability to respond to these tactical demands will be vital in determining whether he retains a place in the first XI or faces the prospect of being relegated to a more peripheral role.

The tactical nuances of Farke’s management are especially important when considering the challenges Leeds will face in the upcoming season. After last season’s struggles in the Premier League, which ultimately saw them narrowly avoid relegation, the club is in a fight to secure their top-flight status for another season. With Farke at the helm, Leeds are looking to move away from the uncertainty that plagued the team last year, and the early signs in pre-season are promising. Farke has a reputation for being a perfectionist, and his approach to pre-season training reflects this. His attention to detail, especially in terms of positional play and tactical understanding, will be crucial for Leeds if they are to avoid the drop. The importance of pre-season matches like the one against SC Verl cannot be overstated, as they provide a valuable opportunity for Farke to instill his philosophy and begin to iron out any weaknesses before the real competition begins.

Longstaff’s role in Leeds’ midfield will be an important one next season. Farke’s feedback during the game suggested that he expects a lot from the 25-year-old, who has a reputation for his work rate and versatility. In a system where Leeds will likely rely on midfielders who can contribute both defensively and in attack, Longstaff’s ability to cover ground, disrupt opposition attacks, and link up play in the final third could make him a key player. The midfield battle will be critical for Leeds, and Farke’s emphasis on tactical discipline and awareness is designed to ensure that his midfielders are always in the right positions to control the flow of the game. Longstaff’s ability to adapt to these demands will likely determine how central he is to Leeds’ plans moving forward.

Another interesting subplot is the future of Harrison, who has returned to Leeds after spending two years on loan at Everton. While his loan spell at Goodison Park was relatively successful, Everton ultimately opted not to make the move permanent, and Harrison has returned to Leeds with three years left on his contract. There were rumors that Everton might still be interested in securing his services, but with no permanent deal materializing, Harrison finds himself back at Elland Road. His role in the squad will depend on how well he adapts to Farke’s tactical demands, especially given the fact that the winger is known for his bursts of pace and ability to deliver crosses. Farke’s instructions for Harrison to be more decisive in his play suggest that the manager sees potential in the 28-year-old, but whether Harrison can deliver on those expectations will be crucial in determining his future at Leeds.

Perhaps most intriguing of all is the possibility that Harrison and Longstaff could be lining up against their former side, Everton, in less than a month’s time. Both players were once linked with the Toffees, and now, instead of playing alongside each other at Goodison Park, they could be facing off against their old team in a competitive match. For Harrison, this match will carry extra significance, as he’ll want to prove that Everton made a mistake in not securing him permanently. The prospect of facing his former team will surely provide him with additional motivation, and he’ll be keen to show that he still has a lot to offer at the Premier League level.

Ultimately, while it’s still early in the pre-season, Leeds United’s performances and the tactical direction under Farke suggest that the club is in good hands. The manager’s commitment to improving the team’s fitness, tactical awareness, and overall discipline will be key as Leeds look to navigate another difficult Premier League campaign. The early integration of new signings, combined with Farke’s demanding coaching style, suggests that Leeds will be better prepared to face the challenges ahead. As pre-season progresses and the competitive fixtures loom, the squad will continue to evolve, and Farke’s ability to get the best out of his players will be crucial in ensuring that Leeds United remains a Premier League club for another season.