Farke: Team's Impressive Form is the Standard
Daniel Farke insists his team’s impressive run is no longer a pleasant surprise. It’s the standard.
The head coach, speaking ahead of the weekend clash with Crystal Palace, struck a firm, almost stubbornly grounded tone: enjoy the form, yes, but don’t get carried away.
Gruev back, Wilson blow
There was welcome news on Ilian Gruev, who has been out since May with a knee injury. Farke revealed the midfielder has finally come through a proper test.
“After this long-term injury it was important to get his first minutes in the under-21 game. He played nearly 90 minutes and it was good for his confidence and his body. He is available for the weekend.”
One returns, another drops out. Harry Wilson has suffered a quad problem and is set to miss not only club action but Wales’ fixtures over the international break. Joe Rodon remains sidelined as well, leaving Farke without two important pieces at a time when the schedule begins to tighten.
Contract talk shut down
Off the pitch, Farke was pressed again on his own future after managing director Robbie Evans told BBC Sport that both sides are “on the same page” regarding a new deal. The manager had little appetite for feeding the story.
“No news from my side. I spoke at the end of last season long, detailed, open and honest about the situation. I don't want to make a weekly soap opera of it. No-one wants a manager who is always talking about his future and his contract.”
The message was clear: he wants the conversation back on the pitch.
Calvert-Lewin’s recall “fully deserved”
On that pitch, one of the league’s in-form forwards has been rewarded. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s start to the season has earned him a recall to the England squad, and Farke was unequivocal in his praise.
“Fully deserved. A perfect start to the new season. He's scored goals and has delivered performances. He's played with a good confidence and is in a good rhythm. He definitely deserves this call-up. He's definitely one of the best strikers in this league.”
Calvert-Lewin’s sharpness has underpinned his team’s strong opening and fed the growing sense that this side is building something more durable than a purple patch.
“It’s not a coincidence any more”
Farke was keen to stress that the form stretching back to last season is no fluke.
“It's not a coincidence any more. It's not just a good period, it's quality that we are delivering. Everyone can be proud of this and take lots of confidence.”
Talk of Europe is already circling, but he batted that away with the realism of a coach who knows how quickly the Premier League can turn.
“The first step is always to win 40 points and to make sure we do it as fast as possible. If we do it and there are still games left, we will definitely take it – but my only aim and only focus is to make sure we win the 40 points and play another Premier League season.”
Ambition, yes. But built on the old, hard target of survival first.
Respect for Palace
Next up is Crystal Palace, and Farke’s respect for the Eagles was striking.
“We face a really strong side. When I speak about Crystal Palace, I can't speak with more respect about them. They have done exceptionally well, especially in the last seasons winning titles. They have done good business in the summer and I think they are stronger this season than last season.”
No hint of complacency there. The message to his players is obvious: this is a serious test, not a formality.
Break brings breathing space – and hard work
The looming international break offers a rare chance to pause, but Farke has no intention of switching off.
“We allow ourselves a chance to recover a bit more than is possible in normal time. Then, the work continues. Just because we don't have a game for a while doesn't mean we don't train for a while. There are still players here who need my attention. Sometimes there is more time for the detail and for younger players.”
Recovery, refinement, and a closer look at the next wave coming through.
If this really isn’t a coincidence any more, the weeks ahead will show just how far this “quality” can carry them.
