Daniel Farke has established a reputation for being a meticulous manager who isn’t afraid to hold his players accountable when performances dip or crucial errors are made. This was evident after Leeds United’s frustrating 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road on New Year’s Day—a result that denied the team the chance to extend their lead at the top of the Championship table to five points. While Farke refrained from being overly critical, he did single out areas where improvement was needed, with Ao Tanaka, one of Leeds’ most consistent performers, coming under scrutiny this time.

Tanaka, a summer signing from Fortuna Düsseldorf, has quickly become a key figure in Leeds’ midfield. His work rate, tactical intelligence, and ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch have made him an invaluable asset for Farke’s side. However, with high praise comes high expectations, and Farke made it clear that Tanaka’s performance against Blackburn fell short of the lofty standards he has set since joining the club.

In his post-match comments, Farke pointed to a specific moment late in the game when Leeds allowed Blackburn to snatch a 90th-minute equalizer from a corner. A chipped ball down the flank caught out defender Max Wöber, leading to a sequence that forced a corner. Danny Batth capitalized on this, scoring the decisive goal for Blackburn. While Farke acknowledged this as a collective lapse, he highlighted Tanaka’s role, suggesting the midfielder could have been more alert to the danger and better positioned to cover the channel run that led to the corner.

“The problem is you want to win each of your home games, so we are slightly disappointed with only one point,” Farke admitted after the match. “It was probably not our best game. We were too slow, especially in the first half. We didn’t move the ball quick enough. Also, the two [number] eights played not enough vertical [passes], were a bit too patient if I’m honest.”

Farke’s critique extended beyond defensive errors. He also took issue with Leeds’ lack of urgency and incisiveness in possession, particularly in the first half. He felt that both Tanaka and Joe Rothwell, tasked with providing creativity and forward momentum, were guilty of slowing the game down instead of taking the initiative to push forward and break down Blackburn’s resilient defensive structure.

Leeds’ failure to convert dominance into clear chances was frustrating, particularly given the visitors’ defensive approach. Blackburn managed just 30% possession, focusing almost entirely on containment. Leeds tried to counter this by introducing Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph in the second half, seeking to add more directness and physical presence in the box. The changes paid off to some extent, with Pascal Struijk scoring from the penalty spot to give Leeds the lead. However, the inability to close out the game ultimately proved costly.

Despite the draw, the result wasn’t disastrous for Leeds’ promotion push. With Burnley and Sheffield United also dropping points, Leeds remain three points clear at the top of the table. However, Farke’s frustration was evident. “Credit to Blackburn,” he said. “We know they have many, many clean sheets. They defended well. It’s always difficult when they concentrate on defending. We tried to change it with a few changes and going for a slightly different approach with crosses into the box.”

Farke’s public critique of Tanaka and the team’s overall performance isn’t new. Earlier in the season, he called out Junior Firpo’s indiscipline after a red card against Millwall and Manor Solomon’s error in the build-up to Burnley’s winning goal at Elland Road. This approach underlines Farke’s belief that accountability is essential for progress. His honesty, while perhaps tough on the players, is likely aimed at fostering a culture of constant improvement—a necessity for any team with ambitions of securing promotion.

For Tanaka, the message is clear. While he has been one of Leeds’ most reliable performers, lapses in concentration can have significant consequences, particularly in a league as competitive as the Championship. With Leeds’ promotion hopes resting on fine margins, maintaining focus and capitalizing on opportunities will be crucial in the months ahead.

Leeds’ position at the summit of the table remains strong, but Farke knows that tougher challenges lie ahead. His ability to demand the best from his players, while making tactical adjustments to address weaknesses, will be key to ensuring Leeds return to the Premier League. The Blackburn game serves as a reminder that no points can be taken for granted and that every player, regardless of their form, must remain sharp and decisive if Leeds are to achieve their goals.