Daniel Farke has warned broadcasters that they risk losing the essence of football if they make it difficult for supporters to get to matches, having seen Leeds United's trip to Portsmouth next month rearranged.

The fixture has been pushed back 21 hours for a midday kick-off time on Sunday, March 9, meaning fans travelling from Leeds will have to set off in the small hours of the morning to arrive at Fratton Park in time.

The alteration also means Leeds have three games in the space of seven games, rather than eight. While Farke noted that the change is due to the widescale interest in his club, he is keen to ensure there is an even playing field when it comes to time between fixtures.

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Addressing the fixture change, Farke said: “First of all, I always hope the fixture schedule is positive for all supporters. Because it’s a supporters game and you keep in mind that supporters need travelling time so they can make it for the games.

“If you’re thinking just about TV and not the fans who attend the stadium, then one day you will lose the love of our fanbase. That's my first worry and the second is to have a fixture list that is right in terms of fair play.

“Sometimes you struggle to understand why the future list is how it is. When I have a look this week - it’s difficult to understand why we have to play a Wednesday evening late away game then why it’s necessary to have the quickest possible turnaround to play Saturday lunchtime, when players [only get] home in the early Thursday morning.

“In terms of fair play, it’s not great because we faced a side who had a full week to prepare for this.”

Farke added: “When you judge it with common sense, all the supporters want the best players on the pitch to see a proper product. If you [players] are back at home in the early hours, then on Saturday you have to rotate more then.

"In terms of the sense of the game, to see proper football, sometimes it [tight schedule] makes no sense. Sometimes the fixture list does you a favour but since I’ve been here it’s been the other way around.

“It’s good that many people want to see Leeds live on TV, that's great - I struggle to complain about that - as well with the TV profits. Because also the players and those connected in football get the rewards in terms of salary or money available.

“But sometimes you find it difficult to understand why the fixture list is this way. We have to adapt and find some solutions. So moaning about it doesn't help you but the best way is probably not to speak about it too much.”