The Leeds boss faces a big selection decision after the draw with Hull City
Daniel Farke faces a huge decision over his Leeds United goalkeeper following Illan Meslier’s latest errors in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Hull City.
The Whites shot-stopper was culpable for Joao Pedro’s goal as the Tigers fought back from 3-1 down to earn a 3-3 draw, and didn’t cover himself in glory for either of City’s other two goals on a day to forget. With a howler at Sunderland still very much in mind, Farke could be tempted to bring in Karl Darlow – although he will be keen to expose his keeper to too much criticism.
Darlow may have been in line for a start in next weekend’s FA Cup third-round fixture against Harrogate Town anyway, with Leeds not playing in the Championship for a fortnight until Sheffield Wednesday visit Elland Road on Sunday, January 19.
Meslier has been a consistent starter in Farke’s teams when fit, as he was under Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia, after establishing himself as the team’s first choice under Marcelo Bielsa. However, if Farke decides to shake things up, he will be following in the footsteps of Sam Allardyce, the only manager who has dropped him at Leeds.
The former England manager was briefly at Elland Road in 2023, anxious to keep United in the Premier League, and made the bold decision to leave the Frenchman out of the team, preferring Joe Robles for some important relegation battles.
Allardyce explained his choice at the time, saying, “I didn’t expect him to be happy, but I had to make the decision.” It’s not a decision you want to make as a manager with your No. 1 goalie, but based on what we’d seen and heard from the staff, I believe the rest will benefit him much.
“I believe he is now just getting on with his job as goalkeeping coach. They’re like fathers nowadays. He may spend as much time as he needs with the goalkeeping coach rebuilding his confidence so that when he gets the chance to play again, he’ll be at his dazzling best.
“I know how talented he is because I’ve seen him on television and played against him before. It’s simply a lack of confidence, something everyone has experienced. But, sadly, goalkeepers don’t get away with blunders, do they?
Meslier hasn’t gotten away with blunders, but it’s easy to forget how many times he’s come to Leeds’ rescue, most notably in the Boxing Day victory over Derby County. The 24-year-old has appeared in all 26 Championship games for Leeds, with the game versus Hull being his 201st overall.
