Dan James has shared how Daniel Farke told him he would be a key player this season on his first day back at Leeds United.
James was speaking on the latest episode of the Official Leeds United Podcast, where he was speaking on what working under Farke has been like over the last few months.
The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Fulham having been deemed to surplus to requirements by then manager Jesse Marsch towards the latter stages of the transfer window.
After a difficult time at Craven Cottage, he returned to Leeds now back in the Championship following relegation, though insists it was always his intention to stay in the summer.
And so far, that decision has paid off as James has established himself as a key part of Farke’s side, keeping the likes of Willy Gnonto and Jaidon Anthony out of the side.
Having returned to pre-season a little later than the rest of the squad due to international duty, James has revealed Farke told him on his first day back that he would be an important player this season.
He said: “I came back a little bit later for pre-season because of internationals and he sat me down first day, and told me what he wants from me this season and that I was going to be a big part of the squad. It was great to hear that from the start.
“We do a lot of analysis stuff and for sure, he has been great. These two [Ampadu and Rodon] will say the same. He demands a lot, which is good and he is always wanting more.
While he can still be frustrating at times, Farke seems to have found a role for him on the right that helps to bring out to the best in him.
James has scored three goals and provided four assists so far this season, with only Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter having contributed to more.
Farke has clearly given him the confidence to go and show what he can do, as there is no doubt his difficult time at Fulham will have impacted him.
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