Farke Pre Plymouth (Replay)
Jamie Shackleton is unwell with il;lness and he hasn't trained today, so he is a major doubt. All other players came throughlast game without any knocks
Shackleton future
I really like and rate him, he;s so flexible and can play different positions. He has played a lot in central midfield positions, but has played for us in right back and left back positions. Jamie is a player who always gives 100 per cent and has a lot of dedication for Leeds United. You always want to have such a player who is always reliable whenever and wherever you need him, yes we will look after Jamie
FA Cup clash
I would have preffered to be more effective in last game and not have to travel, but it is better to play than be out. We want to go as far as possible and it's important we are fully focussed on this game. They are a good side, especiallya way game and long travel we have to be focussed to go to the next round and that's what we want to do. I am a big believer in cup competitions. We won't risk anyone with our team selection, but we want to play a strong side.
Team selection
In terms of work loads, we need to find a good balance. Sometimes when you have a break it can stop your rhythm, so the players are used to big work loads. If you rest a player it can be tricky as we don't have proper team sessions (when midweek games on). It depends on each player and we need to find a balance.
Big game on TV
We know wherever we go it is a special game for the home team because Leeds United is the opponents. We know we have to be better than other away teams because against Leeds United it always feels like a specila occasion for the home team, it is like a cup final for them. This is what you have to knopw when you represent Leeds United. It's always extra special to play against us. I expect an excited home crowd so the odds are against us and we have to be on it.
Gnonto over Jaidon
It was not the easiest decision as Jaidon had been impressive and it was a tight call. We like Jaidon a lot coming off the left wing, on teh right wing he can't do that as much and Willie is a bit more straightforward. Willie is working hard and we wanted to show that we back him and trust him, to give him a chance to come into his rhythm. It was a tight call and was difficult to disappoint Jaidon as he probably expected to be in the line-up, but it was not against Jaidon, it was a gut feeling Willie would deliver.
When are players told team
I'm not a big believer in telling them the day before, we normally discuss it in the team meeting before the game. Each training session influences our decisiona nd we want to see the players use each training session as a chance to impress. I don't like telling a player a day before he is nots tarting as he can lose his focus. So we do it two hours before the game.
Connor Roberts readiness/fitness?
Roberts is not eligble to play so won't be in the squad. He is an important signing for us and we wanted to bring a specialist in. He has experience and quality at this level, is a good character and is a good age, he's on his way up the hill not down the hill. We knew from our conversations he was desperate to be a part of this group. He's in good physical condition. I think he will adapt quick and be an option real soon. We will take him to Plymouth so he gets a feeling for the group.
FA Cup have different feel?
Yes of course, it is a different competition. In the league you know one point or three points makes a big difference, but in a cup it is do or die. It is a different type of pressure, but pressure that we enjoy. Nobody expects us to win the FA Cup, for us as a Championship team it is not realistic to win the FA Cup, but who knows. We have a chance to go into the group of the last 16 teams.
Distraction of the cup
I don't like to talk about distraction and being tired. When younger we all wanted to play football every day, each player loves to play football, so it is more like we want to win eacha nd every football game. This is what we are all about, we love this sport, we are addicted to this game. We want to have these games.