Ao Tanaka Reveals Daniel Farke’s Half-Time Inspiration in Leeds United’s Triumph Over Plymouth
On the final day of the 2024-25 Championship season, Leeds United faced Plymouth Argyle in a match that could define their promotion hopes. Trailing at half-time, the squad was visibly tense, but a stirring dressing room speech from manager Daniel Farke, as revealed by midfielder Ao Tanaka, ignited a second-half turnaround that secured a crucial victory. Tanaka’s recounting of Farke’s words offers a glimpse into the leadership and emotional intelligence that propelled Leeds to the top of the Championship table.
Tanaka, the 26-year-old Japanese international who joined Leeds from Fortuna Düsseldorf for £3.4 million, has been a revelation this season. His composure, work rate, and tactical discipline have earned him praise, with Farke famously likening him to James Bond for his ability to “save the day.” However, against Plymouth, Leeds struggled in the first half, conceding early despite controlling the match in the first half but that was not enough as they were trailing 1 goal down. The scoreline didn’t reflect their performance, and the weight of the occasion—knowing rivals Burnley were also in contention—hung heavy.
In the dressing room, Tanaka recalled, Farke didn’t resort to criticism or tactical overhauls. Instead, he focused on belief and unity. “He told us, ‘This is your moment. You’ve fought all season, not for me, but for each other and for the fans who live for this club, they are all waiting outside for you people to win it for them so that they can celebrate. One half doesn’t define you—show them who you are.’” Farke’s words were less about strategy and more about rekindling the squad’s spirit. He reminded them of their resilience in past comebacks, like the dramatic 2-1 win over Sunderland, where late goals from Pascal Struijk sealed victory. “He said, ‘You’ve done this before. You’re not robots, you’re warriors. Go out and fight for every ball,’” Tanaka shared.
This emotional appeal resonated deeply with Tanaka, who admitted to feeling the pressure of Leeds’ passionate fanbase. Farke’s ability to connect on a human level, acknowledging the squad’s mental fatigue while instilling confidence, was pivotal. Tanaka noted, “He made us feel like we could turn it around, like we owed it to ourselves.” The manager also singled out Tanaka’s role, urging him to dictate the tempo and win duels, a challenge the midfielder embraced.
In the second half, Leeds emerged transformed. Tanaka was instrumental, completing 92% of his passes and winning seven ground duels, as Leeds equalized through Wilfred Gnoto and clinched the winner via Manor Solomon’s late strike. The 2-1 victory saw Leeds crowned champions. Tanaka’s post-match reflection underscored Farke’s impact: “His words stayed with us. We played with heart.”
Farke’s half-time talk, as revealed by Tanaka, exemplifies his mastery of man-management. By blending emotional motivation with a call to action, he turned a precarious moment into a defining one. For Leeds, it was the spark that secured promotion—and for Tanaka, a testament to why Farke’s leadership is the heartbeat of their success.
