Leeds United have 'spoken about' what they must change - and Farke has seen improvement

Daniel Farke feels his Leeds United players must harness the intensity of Elland Road on their travels to get over their trait of starting slowly.

The Whites have conceded early goals at Blackburn, Swansea, Sunderland and Norwich - and were behind again at Preston on Saturday before a late own goal earned them a 1-1 draw.

Farke admits it's something he has discussed with the squad at length, but while he feels he has seen some improvement in their response, he wants the United stars to take the urgency of playing at home into away games.

READ MORE: 'If it wasn't for Man City' - I know the truth about Erling Haaland's Leeds United 'love'

READ MORE: Leeds United's next opponents make controversial managerial decision

Leeds have only three away Championship wins all season, although have only lost twice and are well placed to continue their promotion push over the Christmas fixtures, sitting in second place in the league. It's those fine margins that make all the difference, however, and Farke knows the value of picking up big points away from home. Starting positively would make a huge difference.

"You could argue it's always when it's a busy, tough schedule, and it's a bit of an explanation, not an excuse, but an explanation, when you have early kick-off with lots of travel, the third game within seven days," Farke said of another sluggish start at Deepdale.

"But nevertheless, we need to find a better excitement level in the game. I think it has a bit that we still have many young players in the decisive roles, and obviously when Elland Road is rocking, buzzing from the start, perhaps they are in a bit more excitement mode in order to be then there with quick decisions, aggressiveness and with counter pressing.

"But we need to make sure that this also happens in away games when perhaps the pitch is not perfect and and perhaps not each every decision goes in in your way, although it should have gone in your way. I think it's important we learn from this, because we are not good enough to cruise easily through this league and say 'OK we win the game 7-1'.

"We've spoken about this topic so often, and I think we are also improving. I think it was much better, for example, today than in comparison to the Blackboard game, but we need to start a bit more excited and a bit more spot on and quicker.

"I know it's difficult in such a busy period, but this also what we what we need to do in the way games, and definitely something we need to work on."

Leeds now host Oxford United next Saturday before successive away games at Stoke on Boxing Day and Derby County on December 29, before Blackburn get 2025 under way on New Year's Day at Elland Road.