Leeds United boss Daniel Farke urges players to clear their heads as he ponders what to do about Illan Meslier — Yorkshire Post 31/3/25
By Stuart Rayner
DANIEL FARKE told his Leeds United players to go away and
clear their minds whilst he considers what to do about goalkeeper Illan
Meslier.
The Whites were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Swansea City
that felt like a defeat because of the timing of the goals.
As the game ticked into its final minutes, Meslier was both
hero and villain, his penalty save from Josh Tymon only delaying Swansea's
equaliser before he dropped a corner to Harry Darling.
Willy Gnonto looked to have won it within a minute of coming
on as a substitute – Brenden Aaronson's goal came in the game’s first minute –
only for another Meslier error in stoppage time.
Farke told his players to clear their minds before getting
back to work on Tuesday. He wanted to clear his too, unwilling to make a call
on Meslier's place in the team in the immediate aftermath.
"I told them for 48 hours you clear your mind, don't
think about football," he said. "They (the players representing their
countries in the last fortnight) have spent so much time away right now. Some
of them came straight from the flight to the training ground and it was
difficult for them.
"Clear your heads, be ready, and we go again for the
last seven games. We are in a pretty good position and we have a lot to play
for and hopefully to cheer about."
Leeds lost top spot to Sheffield United and are only ahead
of Burnley on goal difference, but Farke tried to keep the mood upbeat,
claiming he is "100 per cent convinced" of promotion.
He was much more circumspect when asked if it was time to
leave out Meslier, and if his defenders had lost confidence in him after the
latest in a growing list of costly errors.
"Not right now, straight away after a game, out of the
emotions," said Farke when invited to comment. "He doesn't need a
manager who is additionally on his back."