Daniel Farke reveals why Ao Tanaka was dropped in Leeds United’s win over Stoke City
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke says the number of games with quick turnarounds over the festive period was a deciding factor in choosing to leave Japan international Ao Tanaka out from the start against Stoke City on Boxing Day.
The 26-year-old has been in fine form for Leeds since signing from Fortuna Dusseldorf in the summer, coming into the side in the wake of knee injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev. While the club captain has returned to the starting XI in recent weeks, Gruev remains absent.
Tanaka, though, was named on the substitutes bench for the visit to Stoke, the first time he has been out of the starting lineup since late September.
Speaking after the 2-0 win over the Potters, in which Tanaka was brought on late in the game, Farke explained the decision.
