“I’m not happy”- Georginio Rutter recalls first Leeds United meeting with Daniel Farke

Former Leeds United forward Georginio Rutter has opened up about his first conversation with current head coach Daniel Farke and how it ultimately reshaped his career at Elland Road.

The German manager played a crucial role in drawing out the best version of Rutter during his time in West Yorkshire. The French attacker has since reflected on that period, even taking subtle digs at former Leeds bosses Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce for failing to get the best out of him.

Rutter initially harboured doubts about his move to Leeds, but Farke’s decision to deploy him as a number ten proved pivotal.

In that advanced central role, Rutter flourished, becoming the creative heartbeat of a Leeds side that finished third in the Championship with an impressive 90-point haul.

However, despite their later success together, Rutter has revealed that his first exchange with Farke was far from smooth.

‘He said to me…’ – Rutter recalls first words from Farke

With hindsight, it is easy to forget just how chaotic Leeds United were when Farke arrived in 2023. The club had just suffered relegation from the Premier League, several senior players exited abruptly after triggering loan clauses, and Rutter—Leeds’ record signing at the time—was struggling badly.

After a difficult first six months at the club, the forward was short on confidence and feeling the weight of expectation. That frustration came to the surface when he first sat down with Farke, as Rutter explained during a recent Premier League Big Interview.

“Daniel Farke came, the first thing I said to him is ‘I’m not happy.’ It’s not that I’m not happy—I feel bad here,” Rutter said. “I feel bad because I feel like I’m not a good player. I don’t have confidence, I didn’t show anything, and people think I’m not good.”

Rather than dismissing those concerns, Farke responded with empathy and reassurance.

“He said to me, ‘It’s normal, I know. It’s normal—I would feel the same,’” Rutter continued. “He told me, ‘I don’t know if you will leave or not, I don’t know what will happen. But I knew you when you were at Hoffenheim, and you are a good player.’”

That show of belief proved transformative. Backed by his manager and placed in a role that suited his strengths, Rutter went on to produce arguably the best football of his career. He emerged as one of Leeds’ standout performers during a season that ultimately ended in play-off final heartbreak.

Leeds hope Buonanotte can fill the creative void

Since Rutter’s departure to Brighton 18 months ago, Leeds United have searched for a player capable of replacing his creativity. The recent signing of Facundo Buonanotte may finally provide that solution.

Buonanotte is the first addition since Rutter’s exit who naturally fits the number ten profile. Statistical comparisons from last season suggest similarities in their playing styles, with both excelling in central areas between the lines.

While the data indicates that Rutter remains the stronger dribbler and chance creator, Buonanotte’s ability to carry the ball—one of Rutter’s most effective traits at Leeds—could be just as valuable in midfield if Farke opts to use him there.

At only 21 years old, the Argentine still has significant room for development. With time and guidance, he could grow into an even more complete player, and Leeds’ ownership will be hopeful they have successfully added a much-needed creative spark to Farke’s evolving squad.