Farke Press Conference

Farke on Rutter exit, the board and Leeds' promotion credentials

Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

Daniel Farke has been speaking to the media before Leeds United's trip to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday (kick-off 12:30 BST).

Here are the key lines from a news conference dominated by the future of Georginio Rutter and the net effect of his impending £40m sale to Brighton:

• Farke said he expects Rutter to leave the club. There is nothing confirmed yet but it has been an emotional day at the training ground with the player saying his goodbyes to staff and players: "I expect he will leave. It's not in our hands anymore."

• The Leeds boss added: "The news came out in the afternoon during our prep for the game [at Middlesbrough]. Georgi was aware. I was aware. The players too. [It has been] difficult. Fair play to Georgi for not ruling himself out. He asked to sleep on it overnight and wanted to help us."

• Given Brighton have met a release clause written into Rutter's contract, Farke is not blaming the board for the sale: "We tried to convince him, but we must stick to what was signed in the past. Nothing to do with our current owners or chairman."

• However, he is unhappy about the situation Leeds find themselves in with regards to player exits and contracts, and reiterated his and the board's ambition to return to the Premier League. He stressed the chairman Paraag Marathe and recruitment staff are being as proactive and ambitious as possible.

• On whether Leeds are, as Marathe said they would be, in a position to compete with the best in the league: "It is normal for the players to wonder what is going on. Right now, we still have a really good squad, but we need to rebuild on some key positions. We know we are not there with the strength anymore as a big favourite."

• Despite that, he still agrees with his chairman: "It's true what Paraag said. I feel backed. He is responsible for bringing good commercial deals like Red Bull [and] changed our philosophy on running this club. There will not be crazy clauses like this in the future."

• Farke added: "Nobody is more sad than Paraag. He did not run the club to be there with the biggest bank account - he wants to bring this club back to where it belongs. He is ambitious but sticks to the rules."

• The Leeds boss also said Marathe has done his utmost to keep hold of key players: "He is totally respectful of contracts and the legal point of view [but] he was the first one to fight to convince Georgi. It is an open secret we have rejected offers of big money for other players. [Marathe] said, 'We don't want the money - we want the best squad' but the clause ties his hands."

• On whether Leeds remain realistic contenders for promotion: "Maybe we don't have the tag as favourites now, but I believe in hard work. I made no secret we need a few positions to strengthen [and] even more when a player like Rutter goes."

• A short line on team news: Defender Max Wober (calf) is the only injury worry for the trip to the Hawthorns.

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