Daniel Farke has confirmed Illan Meslier will start for Leeds United against Cardiff City.
Farke was speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Championship opener with the Bluebirds, where he was quizzed on the goalkeeper situation.
Leeds now have two excellent goalkeepers at their disposal after bringing in Karl Darlow from Newcastle United last weekend for a fee of around £400,000.
Darlow has proven himself to be a top player in his position at this level and will have undoubtedly made the move from the North East in the hope of being Leeds‘ number one.
However, the 32-year-old certainly faces a fight on his hand to dislodge Meslier, with Farke having reportedly been impressed with the Frenchman since his arrival.
Farke confirms Meslier will start for Leeds against Cardiff
Despite the speculation surrounding Meslier’s future so far this summer, Farke says he will be his number one for as long as he is here, and fit.
He said: “We need competition. Man management can be difficult but we need competition. We need it in a few other positions. It’s clear that Illan will start if he’s fit.”
It has widely been reported during the window that Meslier is expected to leave Elland Road after an extremely difficult final few months of last season.
However, as of yet, Leeds are yet to receive any offers for the 23-year-old and Farke has handed him a regular starting spot in the three pre-season friendlies he has been available for.
Meslier has looked comfortable playing Farke’s system and if he can return to the levels he showed at times in the Premier League, like in the win at Anfield that prompted Alan Shearer to hail him as ‘brilliant’, he will be a great assest in the Championship.
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