Leeds boss Daniel Farke says he won't 'waste time' listening to critics ahead of Villa game
Whites return from the international break this weekend
Daniel Farke says his only concern is to protect his players from recent criticism after mounting speculation over his own future at Leeds.
The Whites sit one point above the relegation zone following four defeats in their last five matches and face in-form Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday before successive fixtures against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool.
Farke, whose side slipped to back-to-back away defeats before the international break, told a press conference: "I can't waste one per cent energy to do any self-marketing or self-PR.
"If you watched us you know what we try to do, if someone wants to be negative after a few games...the only thing that will turn it is good results.
"I admit that it was perhaps our poorest period of the season the last two away games, but it's also my job to protect the players.
"If we have a poorer game or a poorer period I know that there are people who will try and provoke us and tear us apart. I have too much love for this club so I make sure no one is on the back of our players.
"I have to calm myself down. I want to be there for my players like a shield because what is never in doubt is the passion and desire of these lads."
Farke confirmed all his international players returned unscathed and he has no new injury concerns, while wingers Dan James and Willy Gnonto will continue to be eased back into action after recently recovering from injury.