Daniel Farke pre Coventry
No. Should be the same squad. Junior Firpo can join us in training today, but he was out for so long he won't be a topic for this game.
Illness: everyone recovered. No new flu or cold cases.
Changes?
Not because of the load. Four days is enough time to recover. This turnaround is not a problem. In general, it is important to use the whole squad, but not a big believer in constant changes and no rhythm for the players.
Ayling started a lot early in the season. Not now, nor Cooper. That could change. James, Rutter and Summerville also missed games at the start. Gnonto the opposite.
Important not just 11 players, but a group of 17/18 players who share the minutes and younger players with less minutes. over the season you need many players with any minutes. Not a believer in in-out, in-out. Don't find a rhythm.
Successful on this level in other clubs. My general approach. Never speak about a starting XI for the whole season. It's a question of momentum. When you deliver you have a good chance of keeping your spot. Over Christmas, four games in nine days you have to change a bit, but with four days off it's not a problem.
All players would understand what you want?
Always good to have players in their best position, but right now we do not have a natural LB then you have to find a different solution. No right or wrong. Can always do it differently too. When you are winning you are right and when you lose you are wrong.
We stick to the XI that was good in the weeks before. Spence came in. Lost the game and everyone says you should have rotated or whatever. That's the way it is.
Stoke: I was asked why did I rotate and did not stick with a winning team?
We pay them so much money they should be fine after four days off.
Robins - long-serving - under-rated?
I am not sure. I rate him very highly. Fantastic job with limited resources. Cub developed into tough opponent. LAst season into the play-off final. Brand of football is nice to watch and they always brave and try to attack. What they are doing I like. Changes in key roles after last season. Needs a while to keep going,. but good run right now and climbing. Dangerous opponent.
You here in six years?
(Laughs)
You never know. This job is always hard. Only been here six months and it feels like six years. I love it here and if I am allowed to be here in six years, something special, I would love it. It would mean we have achieved our targets. I have spoken honestly about my targets for the club
Rhythm - how do you keep attackers not starting in rhythm?
Difficult task. You are right. No replacement for starting a game. Make sure you train on atop level to be prepared when you get the chance. Several weeks outside the team, you have to wait. Use every session to train with pride. Like a Champions League final. Use the minutes you get to make sure when you come on, to impress and help the team. End products. Assists. Goals.
More difficult to score in three minutes than 87. Tough business. Lots of competition., Not here to win the Nobel Peace Prize. We do not share the minutes equally. You have to shine bright when you can.
Do you like players coming to you to ask?
My door is always open. There will be no sugar-coating. Always direct, straight answers. They do not have to come in. Talking in my office or the dressing room is not important. Show me in training or in matches you want to start. You do not need to tell me this. I take it for granted.
I can talk to them when they come in with special messages.