(Credit: Imago)
Mon 16 June 2025 14:10, UK
Ao Tanaka had a terrific season with Leeds United as the Whites gained promotion to the Premier League.
The midfielder made 43 Championship appearances in his debut season, delivering seven goal contributions across the campaign.
Although he has quickly become a fan favourite at Elland Road, Tanaka has revealed that he was called into Daniel Farke’s office on one occasion this term.
Farke was impressed by Tanaka this season. (Credit: Imago)Tanaka reveals conversation with Farke
Although Tanaka arrived in West Yorkshire without the pressure of any big expectations, he quickly showed supporters what he could do.
As the Whites now prepare for life in the Premier League, Tanaka is surely someone who will be a regular name on Farke’s squad list.
The midfielder doesn’t have top-flight experience yet, but his development and hard work so far suggest he will be more than ready to contest for a place in the top flight.
Seemingly, there is a good relationship there with the manager too, who has been keen to see the 26-year-old develop in his role.
Although he is one of the golden boys from the outside, Tanaka has revealed that Farke called him into his office for a private conversation during the campaign.
Speaking to Japanese outlet Hochi News (16 June), he revealed: “I was only called into the manager’s office once during the season.
“In the middle of the season, when I started to be put in man-to-man defence against the opposition more often, he would say, let’s do this, I want you to do this.
“He never told me to go forward. He basically told me to stay stable in the middle as an anchor, manage the risks, keep the ball and play. I almost never went into the [opposition’s] area/
“Defensive midfielders believe that they are evaluated highly if they win, so I thought it was fine as long as we won. But gradually we started to win, and personally I wanted to score some goals.
“It was about balance, or how far I could go, and when I could go on a counterattack. After I scored a goal, [Farke] kept telling me to score more goals.”
Tanaka will be playing Premier League football at Elland Road next season.(Credit: Imago)Tanaka to continue shining for Leeds
Tanaka has won over supporters at Leeds and will no doubt continue to have their support next season.
The fact that Farke called him into the office so the pair could discuss how the 26-year-old could progress and add to his game speaks volumes about both parties.
The Japanese international finished the campaign with five goals to his name, but he will no doubt be keen to build further upon this next term too.
Tanaka will be eager to build on this season’s progress.
As the season continued, it was clear to see plenty of confidence in the midfielder’s performances and if he is able to strike the perfect balance between managing his defensive duties and contributing in the final third, he will be a big part of Leeds’ side next term.
As Farke told him, though, playing that role in the middle of the pitch is incredibly important to the side’s work and his presence was always felt.
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