Daniel Farke challenges Noah Okafor to improve output at Leeds

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has offered public backing to Noah Okafor while making it clear that the winger must improve his end product if he wants to keep his place in a competitive Leeds attack.

Okafor arrived at Elland Road last summer in an £18m deal and made an immediate impression, but his form has plateaued in recent months. The Swiss international has not scored since finding the net against Tottenham Hotspur in early October, despite starting 10 of the following 14 Premier League fixtures.

While goals and assists have been scarce, Farke was keen to highlight the qualities that initially convinced Leeds to invest in the 23-year-old.

“His start to life for us, he was there with goals and assists,” Farke said ahead of Monday’s league meeting with Everton. “He’s a player with a special ability.

“There are not many players who can take opponents on the way he can. Driving the ball forward, bringing the game into the opponent’s half, winning one-against-one situations — these are his big strengths.”

Okafor’s pace and physicality have regularly unsettled defenders, but frustration has grown among supporters due to his decision-making in the final third.

Despite the lack of direct returns, Farke pointed to an example that underlined Okafor’s value beyond statistics. In Leeds’ 3–1 win over Chelsea, it was Okafor’s relentless pressing of goalkeeper Robert Sánchez that forced the mistake leading to Leeds’ third goal.

“It doesn’t count as an assist,” Farke explained, “but 95% of that goal belonged to Noah. He chased the first player, the second player, then the goalkeeper, and won the ball. Dominic had probably the easiest goal of his life.”

The Leeds boss also noted improvement in Okafor’s defensive work rate after previously challenging him on that aspect of his game.

“His workload against the ball is way better now,” Farke added. “There was a period when I criticised this, but he’s making progress.”

However, Farke made it clear that progress alone will not be enough. With competition increasing in attacking areas, Okafor must start producing decisive moments.

“It’s up to him to deliver more end product,” Farke said. “For offensive players, it’s important to be there with a goal here, an assist there. Everyone has to deliver — otherwise there are other options in the squad.”

The message was firm but supportive, reinforcing that Okafor still has the manager’s trust — for now.

“Noah gets lots of backing and lots of trust,” Farke concluded. “It’s up to him to repay that trust and keep going.”

Public backing paired with clear demands is a deliberate management tactic. Farke’s comments protect Okafor’s confidence while signalling accountability. In a promotion-chasing side where margins are tight, productivity — not potential — will ultimately decide who starts.

Leeds’ upcoming fixtures present Okafor with opportunities to turn encouragement into tangible returns. With rotation likely and pressure mounting, the next few games could prove decisive in shaping his role for the remainder of the season.

Can Noah Okafor translate his strong all-round play into goals and assists when Leeds need them most?