Leeds United faced Wrexham AFC in their opening clash of their 2026/27 pre-season schedule, with the battling performance in the Florida heat proving a valuable outing for the squad.

After a thrilling first half contrasted by a quiet second, Daniel Farke commented on his side’s performance on their return to action ahead of a new Premier League campaign.

“I am always struggling once there is a loss to be in a good mood afterwards, if I am honest,” the boss told LUTV at the Raymond James Stadium.

“But today, no complaints. We played against Wrexham who played a relatively strong side, a few weeks ahead in their preparation. For us, we gave many, many debuts away today, also full debuts.

“I am just a bit sad and feel a bit especially for our young lads, that they couldn’t celebrate their debut and their full debut with a win.

“If you have a look at the game, normally we should have won this game. We had more possession, we had more chances, should have scored also more goals than them but they were effective.

“You could feel today, lads were tired. We have trained the whole week, more or less two sessions per day. We had even a session this morning and to play without many important players so for that, no complaints.

“Pre-season you build a foundation for the whole season. It is most important that you do lots of physical work. You need this endurance, this fitness level during the whole season.

“We have proven last season how important this is. You have to integrate the new players. And the best way is always like once you are 24/7 together and you have lots of communication.

“We need, of course, to work on our game. We had many, many good pre-seasons in the last years and yeah, it was quite often then also the basement for a really good season. Hopefully we can also keep working hard and for that we also have a successful season ahead.”

The Whites were cheered on by a fine travelling support in Florida, something the German continues to be amazed by, adding: “Unbelievable. So, this club is really second to none.

“And for that, I am a bit disappointed that we couldn’t give them for their great support also even a bit more to cheer. But even after the game, they were in a good mood.

“Our supporters are the best in the world and really second to none. It is a joy to work for this massive club and to make them hopefully happy with better results and also hopefully a successful season.”