Daniel Farke has explained that part of the reason for dropping Illan Meslier for Leeds United’s trip to Luton Town this weekend is to “protect” him from the further scrutiny, with Karl Darlow due to start his first league game in 15 months.
Meslier has been the subject of criticism since his blunders against Swansea City, having made a series of errors this season. As a result, many had called for him to be dropped and for Karl Darlow to come in.
Darlow has played three cup ties this season, as well as five caps for Wales, but has not played in the Championship since December 2023. Farke has stuck behind Meslier throughout this season despite his clangers, most notably against Sunderland and Hull City.
However, many feel Saturday’s error was the final straw and that Farke should call in a change in net. And the manager has done just that, stating he is “100 per cent convinced” he has made the right decision.
Quizzed about the goalkeeper situation at Thorp Arch on Thursday afternoon, Farke said: “I'm a big believer to have clarity in the goalkeeper position. I've taken the decision and spoke to the goalkeepers - Karl Darlow will play on Saturday and Illan will be on the bench. Karl and Illan are aware.
“For me it’s also important to have clarity relatively early this week. It’s the first time Karl has been involved in a league game since a while so that he can concentrate on this topic.
“I work with human beings. For Karl he is buzzing, for Illan it’s always a bit difficult to take. I think in general with a goalkeeper, it's important you don't change game to game, even after a few mistakes.
“[But] it's professional football and you have to deliver and perform well to handle the pressure. The last time, he responded really well with many good performances and several clean sheets.
“But also in last weeks we felt he could have done a bit better and obviously in the last game he was strongly involved in both goals. So for that, I have to make a decision and protect him a little bit.
“It feels like the spotlight is on him and he’s a young man and the weight of the world is on his shoulders. That was my feeling this week."
Farke added: “I have a really reliable option with Karl Darlow. A very experienced goalkeeper and proven at this level. A top class character. I know there is concern because he hasn’t played many league games in recent years but I see him every day in training, he performs really well. Absolutely professional and loyal.
"He played two solid performances for Wales. He's in a good rhythm. At this moment, heading into a crunch time period, it’s the right time to make the decision.
"And also to protect Illan a little bit and take a breather to start again. We are convinced of Karl’s quality. I'm convinced it's the right decision.”
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