Leeds finished 14th last season - eight points comfortably clear of the drop zone.

So it is easy to forget that their life back in the Premier League did not begin very smoothly. They only won three of their opening 13 games and lost eight as the pressure piled on Farke and his players.

But a tactical switch from a 4-3-3 system to 3-5-2 in a 3-2 defeat by Manchester City at Etihad Stadium on 29 November turned their fortunes around. They only lost five times for the remainder of the season.

And Farke's side are determined not to make the same mistakes in their second season in the top flight.

"There were times in the first half of last year where we allowed teams to run over us a bit," Ampadu said.

"We wanted to get a bit more solid and put our stamp on the game. We want the ball, we want to be attacking and creative."

Leeds only won two games on the road during the whole of the 2025-26 campaign, making their triumph at City Ground all the more satisfactory.

"Away games in Premier League are always difficult," Farke said.

"Sometimes the second year is more difficult. Last season, we picked up many points with draws. On the road, we want to be competitive and be more effective."

After leading Leeds to safety, Farke had threatened to quit, saying he is "not the right choice" to lead the club if they fail to match his ambition in the summer.

The club hierarchy listened and backed the German in the transfer market in the summer, investing about £80m on new arrivals.

Three of them started for Leeds in their season opener and encouragingly for Farke offered early signs of promise.

Goalkeeper James Trafford justified the £45m - a record for a British goalkeeper - Leeds paid to Manchester City for his services with some decisive stops.

Bosnia-Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic not only put in a solid shift in defence but also proved he is a weapon from set-pieces as he tested Forest goalkeeper Matz Sels with a towering header at the other end.

Harry Wilson, who signed for free after 10 goals and seven assists for Fulham last season, almost marked his debut with a goal before he was denied by the offside flag.

"From the very first minute they walked into the building, they have shown their quality," Ampadu said.

"They have shown why they have been brought in to try and help us get to the next level. They've shown that hunger and drive to take Leeds to a better place so that has been very good."

Farke also echoed his captain's sentiments, saying: "I am very happy because they have big boots to fill.

"Trafford is a good player but he hasn't played that many Premier League games, Tarik too. So they both shined and showed why we agreed to sign them, but the whole group was excellent today.

"Wilson too was excellent. The vibe and mood is good around the place," said Farke, who is now the third-longest-serving manager in the league after Arsenal's Mikel Arteta and Aston Villa's Unai Emery.

With new arrivals making an immediate impact and old faces such as Stach continuing to deliver the goods, Leeds have every reason to believe this season could be their best yet under Farke.