Okafor calls on struggling Leeds to win physical battle against Aston Villa

Noah Okafor believes Leeds United must fight from the first whistle if they are to have any chance of reversing their poor run of form against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Having lost four of their last five games ahead of the international break, Leeds sit 16th in the Premier League table, only a point clear of the relegation zone.

Nottingham Forest and West Ham both look rejuvenated following managerial changes and have cut Leeds’ buffer to the danger zone, which has led to suggestions head coach Daniel Farke could soon come under pressure.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s return to Premier League action at Elland Road, Okafor told the club’s website: “We need to be a little bit more aware or awake in a few moments. As a team, we must defend together, and we must go on offense together, use our weapons.

“In this league, the best league in the world, it’s small details. When you are not 100% ready for five seconds, these things can kill a game.

“We have to go with full energy from the first second and take the fans with us. In the end, whoever wins more duels will win the game.”

Leeds did at least come through the international break with a clean bill of health, leaving Farke with a fully fit squad to choose from.

“The most important thing is no one came back injured. Everyone is in a good mood. So, I have all the players available,” he said.

“Not one player is injured so that’s really, really good news. Today was the first time we had the whole group back on the training pitch.”