That is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who told Give Me Sport he has heard Joe Rodon has been ‘galvanised’ by a ‘slightly heavier touch’ by Farke.
Speaking – as per Leeds Live – after Leeds’ 1-0 win over QPR on Wednesday, Farke revealed he had held talks with Rodon ahead of that match about how he could improve his application on the training ground.
Rodon was making his return to the starting XI in midweek after being left on the bench at Southampton following his return from a one-match ban.
The £11m defender was faultless at the back as Leeds kept their fifth clean sheet in six matches, of which Rodon has been involved in four of them.
Speaking on what he has heard around the situation, Jacobs says Rodon has responded excellently to what Farke has asked of him behind-the-scenes.
He said: “He obviously came into the side this season and lacked a little bit of discipline. He’s been sent off already this season and I think that Rodon needed a bit of a kick to look at himself in the mirror and regain a little bit of focus and discipline. I think that Daniel Farke wasn’t afraid to be frank with the player and tell him that.
“From what I’m told, Rodon has responded tremendously with his focus, application and discipline, and he showcased that for Leeds in their last victory. That’s another example of Daniel Farke managing a player and realising that a slightly heavier touch was needed to galvanise Rodon.
“Now I think we’re seeing a player that feels that he can stay in that side, lead within that side and keep a bit of a cooler head.”
It sounds like Rodon was perhaps feeling a little sorry for himself in the wake of his harsh red card in the 0-0 draw at Hull City.
That could be the reason in which he was not brought straight back into the starting XI for the defeat at Southampton, which ultimately proved costly.
But it is good to hear Rodon has responded well to what has been asked of him behind-the-scenes and it certainly reflected in his performance against QPR.