Leeds United continued their impressive start to pre-season, emphatically beating 2. Bundesliga outfit Hannover 96 4-1 behind closed doors.

Goals from Ilia Gruev and Joel Piroe got the ball rolling before the break as the Whites raced into a two-goal lead, with a brace from substitute Mateo Joseph after the break adding gloss to the scoreline.

Speaking after the clash, manager Daniel Farke was delighted with how his side fared against competitive opposition.

“With both halves I was pretty pleased,” the German told LUTV. “I think we started on the front foot against a really good opponent.

“I think we were pretty focused in the first half and the second half was even more challenging, because it’s also a proud side. They are already used to winning games.

“I want to add a few more goals out of midfield, Ilia Gruev chipped in today so I was pretty happy with this.

“It is also then important to integrate the new lads, or lads like Pascal coming back from injuries, so we are happy Jayden and Brenden had their first minutes under their belts, also Max a first 30 minutes.

“Brenden and Jayden both got assists, also with an impact, so it was good for their confidence and rhythm. It is about fitness levels and to be flexible in what we want to do in possession and press against different base formations.

“It is a good example for this today because they changed their set up two or three times in the game and we reacted really well.

“This test was important and pleased me in many ways today. Again, it’s pre-season, and far away from it, so the real season will start again in a couple of weeks, but so far so good.”

Against Hannover, Spanish Under-21 international Mateo Joseph grabbed a brace, as the striker continues to work hard since returning from the summer break.

“His pre-season has been impressive,” Farke said of the forward. “I liked all the games he has played, he has been involved with goals and chipped in not just with goals, but also with maturity in his workload.

“He came back from a little break on holiday in a top shape and you could really see from the first day, he has used the break to bring himself into better shape.

“Also at this time Patrick is not available, so he can get some minutes up front and it’s good for his confidence, so he’s on the right path.”

The fixture also provided Jayden Bogle with a first chance to impress for the Whites, with boss Farke keen to highlight the importance of his new signing.

“Jayden is a top solution in this league, he has already proved that during his career. He’s still at an age he can improve and develop further on.

“He has strengths going forward and chipping in with goals and assists, we have seen this even today, so we felt it would be a good deal but it’s too early to praise him too much, he has to prove this in the season.”