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Leeds manager Farke defends 'self-critical' midfielder Tanaka

Ao Tanaka in the Leeds United shirt
Ao Tanaka in the Leeds United shirtNews Images, News Images LTD / Alamy / Profimedia

Daniel Farke - head coach at Leeds United - has defended his midfielder Ao Tanaka. The 27-year-old Japanese international recently said publicly that he was 'not good enough' for the Premier League.

In response to a corresponding question, the 49-year-old German stated that he is pleased when professional footballers are able to be"down-to-earth and self-critical", because"it's usually different in this business. Every player tries to protect themselves. If your own performance isn't at the top level, it's someone else's fault. That's often the case."

However, he was slightly concerned by Tanaka's statement after the 2-1 win over West Ham United that he lacked the necessary quality for the Premier League."He doesn't have to say something like that," emphasised Farke, "not at all. Because there's no reason to be too self-critical."

The Japanese player put in"fantastic" performances in the Championship last season and played a decisive role in the club's promotion. The 27-year-old also made an excellent impression during preparations in the summer.

The fact that he has lost his regular place at Leeds United in recent weeks is also due to the medial ligament injury he suffered in September."If you're out for a few weeks and you're back in the starting eleven for the first time - in a league that's new to him - you're not going to play your opponents dizzy," said Farke.

Tanaka has made seven Premier League appearances this season, starting three times.