Daniel Farke has strongly defended Ao Tanaka after the midfielder found himself in hot water during Leeds United’s 2-0 win over Norwich City on January 22, 2025. Tanaka was initially booked in the seventh minute of the match, but the real controversy came in the second half when he was involved in a potentially dangerous tangle with Norwich’s Kenny McLean. As Norwich looked to break forward, Tanaka tripped McLean, and though the referee played an advantage, there were immediate calls for the Japanese midfielder to receive a second yellow card, which would have resulted in a red and a sending off.
The decision to not show Tanaka a second yellow card caused significant frustration among Norwich players, with the incident drawing heated reactions from their camp. Former referee Keith Hackett was among those who believed Tanaka should have been dismissed, considering it a clear foul in a dangerous counter-attacking situation. However, Farke, whose former club Norwich City were the victims of the decision, came out in staunch defense of his player, describing the incident as a non-issue.
As quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post on January 23, Farke explained, “It was never a situation where Ao should be sent off, not in the sense of the game. Either a brutal foul – there was not one – or a tactical foul that avoids a big counter chance – it was neither. He’s probably the fairest player in all of Western Europe and was there with exactly two fouls. Does he deserve to be sent off with two fouls? I don’t think so.”
Farke’s words underline his strong belief that the decision was entirely correct, as Tanaka’s actions didn’t meet the criteria for a sending-off. His defense of Tanaka is also a testament to the trust and admiration the Leeds manager has for the Japanese international. Known for his disciplined approach to the game, Tanaka’s fair play reputation precedes him, and Farke’s comments emphasize this. The midfielder has built a reputation as a clean player, rarely involved in foul play, and Farke firmly stands by the notion that his player’s two fouls in the match didn’t warrant a red card.
The incident was a moment that caused palpable tension in the match, especially as it occurred during a period of high stakes. Leeds, who were striving to maintain their lead at the top of the Championship, were already in a precarious position with Norwich pushing forward and threatening to capitalize on any defensive lapse. However, despite the controversy surrounding the referee’s decision, Leeds held firm and got the job done in a crucial game that ultimately saw them keep their place at the top of the table.
Leeds’ victory against Norwich came despite some challenges, notably the absence of Norwich’s top scorer, Borja Sainz, which certainly weakened their attacking threat. Nevertheless, Farke’s side, led by key performers like Dan James and Manor Solomon, managed to secure the three points. Solomon, in particular, was once again a standout player, scoring an early opening goal for the second game in a row, following a brilliant performance against Middlesbrough a few days earlier.
Tanaka’s contribution to the game, and indeed to Leeds’ season so far, cannot be overstated. Since his summer arrival from Fortuna Düsseldorf, Tanaka has become a revelation for Leeds, with his dynamism in the midfield and ability to break up opposition attacks proving invaluable. His performances have attracted the attention of several Premier League clubs, and it’s no surprise given his quality on the ball and his work rate off it.
For Leeds, keeping hold of Tanaka is becoming increasingly difficult as the midfielder’s value continues to rise with each passing game. The Japanese star is exactly the type of player that top-flight clubs are looking for, combining technical ability with a tireless work ethic. However, if Leeds are to retain Tanaka’s services, they will likely need to secure promotion to the Premier League this season. His performances are vital to Leeds’ push for promotion, and Farke will need him at his best if they are to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
The competition for places in Leeds’ midfield is fierce, and Tanaka’s emergence has given Farke a selection headache. The manager now has an array of options in the middle of the park, but Tanaka has established himself as a crucial part of the team’s spine. His composure on the ball, defensive awareness, and ability to dictate play make him an indispensable figure in Farke’s midfield, and his growing influence in the team cannot be ignored.
Overall, the incident involving Tanaka may have caused a stir, but it also highlighted the growing importance of the player in Leeds’ campaign. Farke’s defense of his player also signals the bond and trust between manager and player, with Farke evidently seeing Tanaka as a key part of his plans moving forward. As Leeds continue to fight for promotion, Tanaka will no doubt play an integral role in their push to secure a top-two finish and return to the Premier League.