Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has responded when asked whether Lucas Perri would retain his place in the side for the trip to face Newcastle United.
Lucas Perri has endured a rocky start to life at Elland Road, with some strong performances being counteracted by some high-profile errors.
Farke criticised Perri for his role in Manchester United’s equaliser in the draw at Elland Road this weekend, an assessment that was echoed by former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
With Karl Darlow looking assured when he stepped in for Perri earlier in the season, Farke could elect to take Perri out of the firing line for the trip to St James’ Park on Wednesday.
Now, the Leeds boss has addressed whether he will stick with Perri for Leeds’ next Premier League game.
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Daniel Farke makes statement on Lucas Perri’s number one status
Speaking in his press conference ahead of Leeds’ game against Newcastle, via LUTV, Farke was asked whether Perri would retain his place in the starting line-up after he was criticised by the Leeds boss.
According to Farke, although he gave Perri some honest feedback after the Man Utd game, he believes the Brazilian deserves the chance to bounce back in Leeds’ next fixture.
Farke said: “We’ve spoken quite openly and honestly about that Lucas’ error definitely was not the best decision for the goal of Man Utd, and I think it’s important to be open and transparent about it, not to hide.
“But on the other hand, we are now seven games unbeaten, we had a great clean sheet at Liverpool, and Lucas also played a part in this unbeaten run, in this clean sheet, and he was also there against Man Utd, with a really good save in the first half.
Was Lucas Perri to blame for the Man Utd equaliser? 🤔
Paul Robinson was not happy with the Leeds keeper
“But I think especially during this period, it’s even more important to be self-critical about what you can improve. I think football-wise, we could even improve in comparison to our first half yesterday.
“It’s the same for him. I like it when a player holds his hand up and says, OK, it was a wrong decision. Because there is space for improvement, and that’s more or less the case for that. It’s not a topic we even have to speak about.”
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Leeds United need more from Lucas Perri
Although Farke backed his goalkeeper after his public criticism after the game against Man United, the jury remains out on the former Lyon man.
According to the data from FotMob, Perri still has the worst save percentage among the top 20 Premier League goalkeepers, having stopped just 58.3% of the attempts he has faced.
Perri has also conceded the fifth-most goals per 90 minutes in the top-flight with 1.7, and sits 17th on the list for most saves per 90, averaging 2.3.
The Brazilian has shown that he is capable of moments of inspiration, as his save from Leny Yoro showed at the weekend. However, Leeds need consistency, and Perri needs to show Farke that he can be trusted regularly.
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