Daniel Farke told to make ‘brave’ Leeds United decision during Championship run-in, his job is on the line

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Despite Illan Meslier saving a first-half penalty, his duo of errors cost Leeds United during a 2-2 draw to Swansea City at Elland Road.

Daniel Farke’s side haven’t been nearly at their best since they beat Sheffield United away from home at the end of February, winning just one of their five Championship matches since.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
1	Sheff UtdSheffield Utd	39	26	7	6	56	29	27	83
2	LeedsLeeds	39	23	12	4	78	27	51	81
3	BurnleyBurnley	39	22	15	2	53	11	42	81
4	SunderlandSunderland	39	20	12	7	56	37	19	72
5	CoventryCoventry	39	17	8	14	56	51	5	59
6	West BromWest Brom	39	13	18	8	48	35	13	57

They remain in the top two, but only by the skin of their teeth as the Blades and Burnley keep up their strong form in that same period. Both Chris Wilder and Scott Parker have seen their sides accrue 13 points in the last five Championship outings.

Leeds have a favourable run-in over their peers but recent form has seen Leeds fans say the same things about Meslier and about their season as a whole, with the feeling of deja vu setting in for many.

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Championship expert outlines two factors that could cost Leeds promotion — and Daniel Farke his job

Both goals were the latest in an ever-growing line of inexcusable errors from the Leeds stopper that have brought even stronger calls for a change in goal.

For some experts, the decision now looks surely unavoidable for Farke. But Meslier is not the only thing they are questioning, with the mentality and desire of the Leeds team also brought up after the draw against Swansea.

Championship experts Justin Peach and Ryan Dilks spoke about Leeds’ recent dropped points. Dilks said: “Leeds didn’t dispel any fears of it happening again.”

Peach responded: “The headline will be Meslier and Leeds falling apart; xG doesn’t matter at this stage of the season, does it? Because it’s all about the minerals.

“It’s all about the mental strength. And Leeds lack it maybe? I think that’s the argument. You’ve got to say it from this game.”

On Meslier, he added: “He’s not been anywhere near his best this season, and he does need to be dropped. I think persisting with him is costing Leeds goals. It’s now costing them points.

“Daniel Farke needs to be brave with the decision around Meslier for Meslier’s sake. And also for Farke’s sake. If he doesn’t, he’s going to cost Leeds promotion. Which will, obviously, cost Farke his job.

“There’s so many complacencies in this team, at the moment. I’m not saying it’s happening again but one win in five is catastrophic.”

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Karl Darlow’s goalkeeping record should make him one of a number of Leeds changes made by Daniel Farke

If he hadn’t cost Leeds in multiple games this season, promotion would be virtually signed and sealed already. It would make the whole situation more relaxed, which is certainly not a word you could use to describe the confidence levels of the defence in front of Meslier currently.

That said, blaming the 25-year-old for his continued struggles is not the root cause. That’s because it’s down to the manager to take a player out in such a situation. It’s on him for being unable to pull the trigger on an obvious problem which is hampering Leeds’ promotion hopes.

Having played Championship football for the likes of Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, and Hull City, Karl Darlow is evidently an experienced and seasoned goalkeeper. Not only that, but he is a player who has the trust of the likes of Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu in front of him for Wales.

It is surely the time to try something different? Leeds risk unraveling totally without changes to the side, with Meslier the obvious first one. Although Farke may also be minded to change up the attacking quartet as well.