Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has admitted that he will be changing goalkeepers this weekend as Illan Meslier is now set to be dropped to the bench for the big game against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday. Karl Darlow will be between the sticks.
Illan Meslier has been under pressure since costing Leeds more points in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City at Elland Road last Saturday, and Farke has now wielded the axe.
The Leeds boss was also facing loud calls to change goalkeepers, especially when he has a Wales number 1 goalkeeper in Darlow in his squad, who has not played a Championship game this season.
Farke has been a big supporter of Meslier and backed him earlier in the season when he made a few more errors. However, it appears the Frenchman’s position became untenable after last weekend.
Illan Meslier will be dropped to the bench
Farke has shown unwavering loyalty to some players at Leeds, and Meslier is one of them who has enjoyed almost blind support from the German.
However, the Swansea draw was the last straw that broke the camel’s back, and it appears even the Leeds boss ran out of patience with the goalkeeper after another couple of big errors.
Farke admitted that he wanted to provide clarity on the goalkeeping position ahead of the Luton game, and conceded that Melsier will get dropped to the bench in favour of Darlow.
“[I am a] big believer in having clarity on the goalkeeper position”, the Leeds boss said in a press conference.
“I have made my decision and spoke to the goalkeepers. Karl Darlow will play on Saturday. Illan will be on the bench.
Is there a way back for Meslier? Don’t think so
Darlow has appeared a couple of times in cup games this season, but has been the clear first-choice goalkeeper for Wales since last year.
He will likely get a run of games in the starting eleven, and it appears Melsier has played his last game for Leeds in the ongoing campaign.
Can you name the missing sponsor on these 10 Leeds United shirts?
Has he played his last game for Leeds? Probably, especially if the Whites get promoted to the Premier League at the end of the season.
Leeds are seriously considering signing a first-choice goalkeeper in the summer and it seems the club do want an upgrade on the Frenchman in the next transfer window.
