Leeds United ended their season with a 3-0 loss to West Ham United, though the result ultimately meant little for either team as the Hammers were relegated anyway.
Goals from Valentín Castellanos, Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson gave West Ham a winning finish to a disappointing campaign at home. But with Tottenham Hotspur picking up a win elsewhere, it wasn’t enough to save them from the drop.
Daniel Farke will likely be frustrated that Leeds failed to make the most of their opportunities in the first half, especially after Dominic Calvert-Lewin missed a huge chance that drew criticism.
However, the Leeds manager has provided an honest take on his side’s disappointing performance to end a season that saw them secure Premier League survival with games to spare.
Daniel Farke makes honest Leeds United admission
Leeds were missing several top players due to injuries on the final day of the season, and Farke didn’t have the opportunity to put his best team out.
The Leeds boss conceded that, given the injuries, this game was one too many for his tired squad at the end of the season. However, he did lament missing those chances in the first half.
But he insisted that this has still been a fantastic first season back in the Premier League, and his players and the backroom staff deserve credit for what they achieved.
Farke said on Sky Sports: “To be honest, this was probably one game too many, without several key players today.
“Not in the first half, we missed a few big chances, but in the second half, we missed many, many key players and missed a bit of quality.
“But we’ve played a fantastic season as a promoted side. To finish 14th on 47 points is massive, especially given how difficult it was for promoted sides last season.
“We’ve had many top-quality performances, not today but over the season. Compliments to my players and staff, and also to our supporters.”
When asked about the upcoming summer, he said, “Right now, I’m just tired and want to go home and enjoy the break. You always have to be switched on because you won’t win one point as a promoted side in this league if you want.
“I need to recharge a little, but then we look forward to taking the next steps.”
The Leeds boss wants to do more next season
The 49ers will sit down with Farke in the coming days to chart out the project for the coming years and offer the manager a new three-year contract.
However, Farke is likely to demand assurances over the club’s ambition and recently admitted that he is not the right man if the board want to maintain the status quo.
The Leeds manager wants proper backing from the board as he wants to take the squad to the next level over the upcoming summer transfer window.
