Former Leeds United defender Jon Newsome criticized Leed United No.9 Mateo Joseph after their clash against Norwich City. The former English footballer was concerned regarding Joseph’s off-the-ball movements.
Maybe Daniel Farke heard Jon’s musings as Mateo Joseph will be on the bench against Sunderland. Leeds United recently released the team sheet for their clash at The Stadium of Light and Joseph won’t be starting the match today.
I thought he was quiet today, in all honesty.
-Jon Newsome via BBC radio Leeds
The English coach felt Mateo wasn’t up to his best against Norwich City. Having salvaged only one point at Carrow Road, The Whites also lost Ilia Gruev to injury.
My concern with him a little bit is that when the ball goes back to the front, it is a clearance or goal kick, that kind of thing; there is no real effort to win the ball or he sort of looks at the defender and tries to jump in, but it does not really affect anything.
-Jon Newsome via BBC radio Leeds
Newsome is clearly disappointed in the striker’s approach to defending. Daniel Farke’s play style, which takes heavy inspiration from Rinus Michel’s Total Football, emphasises the striker being the first line of defence.
Daniel Farke responds to changing attitudes
Mateo Joseph had an under the weather performance against Norwich City
Patrick Bamford comes on and suddenly leans into a centre half and gets hold of it and Piroe has a shot.
-Jon Newsome via BBC radio Leeds
Changes in the squad directly signify Farke’s dissatisfaction with Joseph. Joel Piroe has been given a chance to prove his metal as the young Dutchman is expected to take this chance seriously.
However, doubts still loom over the German manager’s decision. The change might also hint towards a more relaxed approach during busy weeks.
Farke prefers to rotate players during busy periods. This strategy helps the regulars recover and allow the backups to fight for a spot in the starting XI.
Although Joseph’s performance against Norwich City might have been under the weather, we can’t confirm Farke’s intentions with just one change.
The German coach has made only two changes to the squad. One is Piroe and the second is a replacement for the injured Ilia Gruev. Joe Rothwell will replace the Bulgarian midfielder against The Black Cats.
On the other hand, this change might only be a warning for Mateo Joseph. The Spaniard recently received a call-up to the Spain U21 squad. As his profile grows, the crowd will have high expectations of the striker.
