“We didn’t come here for warm words or compliments,” said Daniel Farke. By the time he left the Etihad Stadium, he may not have got them. There was little warmth from Pep Guardiola, delayed getting into the media theatre as Farke’s press conference became a lengthy affair. And that was before the Manchester City manager realised it was because his Leeds counterpart was accusing Gianluigi Donnarumma of gamesmanship to create a footballing timeout.
Until then, however, Farke was getting the plaudits, if not the points. Leeds were beaten 3-2. It left Farke with seven defeats in eight, three points from a possible 24. And yet, perhaps perversely, his position seemed strengthened. There had been an endorsement of sorts, an illustration of his prowess.
