Daniel Farke's Focus on 40 Points Amid Injury Concerns

Daniel Farke insists his side’s surge in form is “no coincidence” – but he is in no mood to turn it into a European fairytale just yet.

The manager delivered a blend of good and bad news on the fitness front, coolly batted away contract talk, and underlined a simple target for the season: reach 40 points, then see what’s left.

Gruev back, Wilson blow

The bright spot came with Ilian Gruev. The midfielder, out since May with a knee injury, finally has minutes in his legs again.

“After this long-term injury it was important to get his first minutes in the under-21 game,” Farke said. “He played nearly 90 minutes and it was good for his confidence and his body. He is available for the weekend.”

The mood shifted when the subject turned to Harry Wilson. The winger has suffered a quad injury and is set to miss not only club action but also Wales’ fixtures during the international break. Joe Rodon remains sidelined as well, leaving Farke short of experienced options.

Contract talk shut down

Off the pitch, speculation continues to swirl around Farke’s own future after managing director Robbie Evans told BBC Sport that he and the club are “on the same page” over a new deal.

Farke has no interest in feeding that storyline.

“No news from my side,” he said. “I spoke at the end of last season long, detailed, open and honest about the situation. I don’t want to make a weekly soap opera of it. No-one wants a manager who is always talking about his future and his contract.”

The message was clear: the focus stays on the pitch.

Calvert-Lewin’s England return “fully deserved”

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s recall to the England squad drew an emphatic nod of approval.

“Fully deserved. A perfect start to the new season,” Farke said. “He’s scored goals and has delivered performances. He’s played with a good confidence and is in a good rhythm. He definitely deserves this call-up. He’s definitely one of the best strikers in this league.”

Form, end product, rhythm – all there, all recognised.

“Not a coincidence any more”

Farke’s own team have quietly pieced together an impressive run stretching back into last season, and he was in no mood to downplay it.

“It’s not a coincidence any more. It’s not just a good period, it’s quality that we are delivering,” he said. “Everyone can be proud of this and take lots of confidence.”

Talk of Europe has started to bubble up around them. Farke stamped on it with a single, blunt target.

“The first step is always to win 40 points and to make sure we do it as fast as possible,” he said. “If we do it and there are still games left, we will definitely take it – but my only aim and only focus is to make sure we win the 40 points and play another Premier League season.”

Ambition can wait. Survival comes first.

“I can’t speak with more respect” about Palace

Next up are Crystal Palace, and Farke’s respect for the Eagles was unmistakable.

“We face a really strong side. When I speak about Crystal Palace, I can’t speak with more respect about them,” he said. “They have done exceptionally well, especially in the last seasons winning titles. They have done good business in the summer and I think they are stronger this season than last season.”

No complacency. No illusions. Just the sense of a serious test against a club he clearly rates.

Break brings detail, not downtime

The looming international break will not mean a pause button at the training ground.

“We allow ourselves a chance to recover a bit more than is possible in normal time,” Farke explained. “Then, the work continues. Just because we don’t have a game for a while doesn’t mean we don’t train for a while. There are still players here who need my attention. Sometimes there is more time for the detail and for younger players.”

Recovery, refinement, and a chance for the next wave to catch his eye – all while that 40-point mark sits in the back of his mind, shaping every decision.