Leeds United boss Daniel Farke outlines Illan Meslier’s reaction to major decision ahead of Luton Town

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Daniel Farke has some massive decisions to make in the final seven games of the season, but he has already made his first by dropping Illan Meslier for Karl Darlow against Luton Town.

Some worrying stats have been outlined recently, with growing signs of Leeds ‘falling apart’ again starting to emerge. Daniel Farke knew he had to change something, although there could be more surprise changes to come ahead of kick-off yet.

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	MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough	40	17	9	14	61	49	12	60
6	CoventryCoventry	39	17	8	14	56	51	5	59
7	West BromWest Brom	39	13	18	8	48	35	13	57
8	Bristol CityBristol City	39	14	15	10	49	42	7	57

The biggest question to be answered was regarding who started in goal for Leeds coming into this weekend, but Farke very quickly addressed the Meslier situation during his press conference. It means Karl Darlow has a lot to gain after his recall to the side this afternoon.

It means the difficult display against Swansea City won’t go without punishment, with pundits calling for the Leeds boss to make a ‘brave’ change earlier in the week while Sam Allardyce dropping Meslier has also aged well.

Daniel Farke explains Meslier’s disappointment at being dropped for Darlow

Farke has shed further light on the situation. Speaking to Simeon Gholam of Sky Sports, via TikTok, Farke outlined his decision. He said: “Yes, obviously, we know Illan has had a bit of a difficult season during the season so far. And, of course, with the goalkeeper position, it isn’t like an outfield player [which] you change from week to week.

“Of course, not after just one or two mistakes but we also spoke after we spoke about this topic a few weeks ago — he responded really, really well with the perfect February. With many clean sheets and many wins.

“Yes, in the last weeks, there were a few incidents where we thought he could have done better. Obviously, he was involved in both goals in the last game. Then, for that, it was clear that we had a decision to make.

“For me, it was important to make it relatively early during this week. It’s important that the players have clarity, that Karl can prepare, and also that Illan has one or two days to suffer.”

He was then asked for the Frenchman’s reaction to the decision in a separate TikTok video. He added: “Yes, we always have a pretty open and honest conversation. And also had a few open and honest conversations during the season before. Of course, he’s disappointed. He wants to start the next game but he totally understood.

“He was more disappointed that he wasn’t able to help in the last game that much. Sadly, we can’t hide the fact that he was involved in both goals. And he was disappointed because, in the first half, he was more or less on the way to being Man of the Match. He saved a penalty, and had a really, really good game. But then, obviously, the two goals. He had a big percentage [of the blame] on both goals.

“Especially the first, but also the second one. We have backed him a little bit more and longer than you would back an outfield player. Especially with a talented goalkeeper of Illan’s class who has already, at this young age for a goalkeeper, got more than 100 Premier League games and more than 100 Championship games.

“You are a bit more careful to drop him and back him a bit more and give him a bit more confidence. But it’s still professional football and you have to deliver and have to perform and he knows that. He was not immaculate in recent weeks and for that he took it very professional.

“His big desire was to return back and to be back and work even harder in training in order to return better than he was before.”

• READ MORE: Sky Sports pundit outlines wish he is ‘dying for’ regarding Sheffield United, Leeds United, and Burnley

Leeds United simply must beat Luton Town today ahead of Middlesbrough clash

A win for the Whites is absolutely paramount against their lowly opposition, with Sheffield United and Burnley so relentless in terms of their recent form.

They need to assert some dominance and wrestle back control. Without that, Leeds will have just one win in six if they fail to secure victory today. They face in-form Middlesbrough next, who have won five of the last seven.

They need momentum and form to return at just the right time, while also hoping for the other sides to slip up in the process. Leeds have the favourable run-in of the three sides still.

Darlow could be the key today against a physically imposing Luton side, but there are no guarantees that one alteration will be enough for Farke’s side to arrest their recent stale run.