Illan Meslier has been at the centre of all debate and media spotlight over the last week following his disastrous showing against Hull City, and that the January transfer window is open.
The Leeds United goalkeeper was arguably to blame for all three goals as Leeds let what should have been a 3-1 victory, slip to a 3-3 draw. It is not the first time it’s happened, or that Meslier is to blame.
Sunderland away saw Meslier throw the ball into his own goal and at Preston, he should have done better with Brad Potts’ opener. Leeds fans have grown frustrated with Meslier and now want him replaced.
Reports even say that Leeds are open to selling Meslier with Daniel Farke said to have performed a u-turn regarding Meslier and is now keen to bring in a replacement. Well, Farke has now commented on Meslier.
Daniel Farke addresses Illan Meslier rumours in press conference
Saturday’s clash against Harrogate Town was always likely to see Meslier benched anyway, and Karl Darlow given a run out between the sticks. But it might be that Darlow now retains the starting spot.
No-one will really know until Farke makes a decision for the next Championship outing against Sheffield Wednesday. Farke discussed Meslier amid reports on the Frenchman in Thursday’s press conference.
“After such a game, you leave the player alone for two or three days to suffer a bit. But we’ve had a chat and hear his view, especially the second goal. Always the plan for Meslier to get a rest against Harrogate.
“Karl deserves a chance so that was always the plan. After a game, everyone is annoyed and so was I, if I’m honest. I was angry and annoyed. He had a poor game against Hull, definitely a decisive mistake.
“He could have done better the first and third goals. In general, he should have done better in a few other games. Sunderland, strange or unlucky, needed more awareness. He should have been there to save this.
“Overall, it is a fair assessment. He has many clean sheets and good saves, he needs to show this with more consistency. It is important to be honest and open, but we must not forget what we have got.
“He is quite self-criticial, his standards are high. He was disappointed with his last performance, I like it when a player is self-critical. He is 24, a young man, loyal to the club. There has been interest in him.
“Chose to stay at the club to pay some trust back. Double figures in terms of millions and on his CV, more than 200 games and more 100 games in the Premier League. Best in the Championship last season.
“Am I 100% happy with his performances? No. But he is one of our own. He can improve but we need to back him, I have signed a contract for Leeds United and not Leeds divided,” Farke said on Meslier.
“It would be a sign of madness to make a change. We would be the first club in history to change the no.1 goalkeeper, when we have had a perfect Christmas period, eight games unbeaten. We’re convinced.”
A replacement is needed but Leeds must hold firm for now
There are two reasons why replacing Meslier and selling the Frenchman in the next few weeks is the wrong decision. Firstly, everyone is aware the January window is a difficult one to find the right signing.
Replacing Meslier, despite his errors, will be difficult. Leeds and Farke will require a specific goalkeeper and that can take time to find and the chances are, they will be unavailable or massively overpriced.
Financially it’s not beneficial to replace Meslier, or secondly sell him. Jon Newsome makes the point that given Meslier’s form, his stock is not its highest. Therefore, if sold this month it would be on the cheap.
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