“We have to stay brave in our minds,” Leeds striker Noah Okafor said when asked how his new club can avoid relegation from the Premier League this season. “I already feel that I have been in this business for a long time and to always be confident is difficult, but the most important thing.”
Okafor, still only 25, has found his footing quickly since his summer move from AC Milan. He talked to Ski Sports from the Manchester venue to launch PUMA’s new FUTURE 9 boot, which he wore to score twice this term – most notably in the 3-1 win against Wolves.
“We have to stay calm,” he continues, “I try to think about the actions that can happen in the game, and that means I’m fully prepared as soon as the game starts.”
Leeds have picked up four points in their last two matches – against Chelsea and Liverpool, no less – while scoring six goals to climb out of the relegation zone. It is a significant turnaround from the four defeats that led to those results.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Leeds and Liverpool
Explosive starts have been a key part and Okafor believes starting games with such positivity can help Leeds survive – they have scored their joint-most goals (five) in the opening 15 minutes of a game this term.
“When I spoke to my friends in Italy, they told me that this league is so intense, it’s the best in the world. My experience is also. You have to start so strong in every game because otherwise you won’t be able to withstand the pressure.”
Sunday, December 14, 4:00 p.m
Start at 16:30
Another change for Leeds in the last few games has been the impact from the bench, which has been lacking during the early parts of the season. Okafor has made nine starts so far, including a key role in last week’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Liverpool, before all three of Daniel Farke’s 68th-minute substitutes helped set up a goal.
“Sometimes we have three games a week, so we need full focus for the whole 90. With this team, I’m never worried.”
I scored goals with them, for me that is proof. They are so comfortable on my feet and so I perform at my best.
There’s no doubt Leeds have a battle on their hands to keep up in the top flight, but that’s what Okafor plans to tackle. Having ridden the “heavy wave”, Leeds and Farke finally found themselves on firmer ground, two points clear of West Ham in 18th place.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on his best goalscoring streak in more than four years, scoring in each of his last three appearances, with Farke’s newly installed 3-5-2 formation meaning Okafor plays just behind the striker. With Lucas Nmeche out injured, it is a role he is likely to take up again as Leeds travel to Brentford this weekend, live Super week; start at 4:30 p.m.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Leeds United and Chelsea
“Football is all about confidence. You have to go out like you’re playing on the street with friends, otherwise if you put pressure on yourself, it doesn’t end well. If you have a team, fans and a coach who believes in you, you can play with a smile. I’m that kind of player.”
There is no doubt that Leeds’ away form must improve. That has been their Achilles’ heel so far this season and their resolve will be tested again by a Brentford side who have won their last three games at home. Only three teams have a better home record than the Bees, actually.
Okafor has scored twice for Leeds since his summer move from Serie A
“We can improve in every situation,” says the Swiss international. “This is football. When we lose or make things bad, we have to learn, we have to be critical, that’s the best way to succeed. Even if it’s one percent every day, this helps a lot for the future. As long as you believe don’t worry.”
Speaking at his press conference on Friday, Farke pointed out: “It’s important to be unpredictable. We want to take away the strengths of our opponents.” And Brentford have plenty of weapons, although they go into this game on the back of their first back-to-back defeats under Keith Andrews.
Leeds should be ready to take advantage given their recent progress in the opposite direction. Asked how his special point of difference, being able to play a variety of offensive roles, can help, Okafor finished by saying, “It’s a team game, but I’m well on my way to keeping this team in the league.”
Watch Brentford vs Leeds live Ski Sports Premier League on Sunday; start at 4:30 p.m.