Daniel Farke chose to leave Joe Rodon on the sidelines on Saturday lunchtime and Leeds United ended up losing 3-1 to Southampton on the south coast – and he explained his decision following the whistle.
Rodon, 25, was sent off for a second yellow in the 0-0 draw with Hull and it meant the Wales star had to miss the 3-0 win over Watford. But he was available to make his seventh outing for Leeds on Saturday.
However, Farke chose to overlook the £15m Tottenham signing. Instead, placing his faith in captain Liam Cooper after his excellent outing against Watford last term – while Pascal Struijk continued in defence.
But Southampton cruised to a 3-0 win – Adam Armstrong netting a brace and Will Smallbone getting his name on the score sheet. Farke explained his thinking by the decision to leave Rodon out of the team.
“Yes [there was temptation to start Rodon] but he was involved in a few scenes which were not perfect. His red card could have been better at Hull. Last week, defensively we were at our best of the season.
“Impressive over Watford, felt more like 7-0 or 8-0. Wanted to show players, if you take your chances, you keep your place in the team,” Farke told his post-match press conference, as per Leeds Live.
Farke explains decision to leave Rodon out of Leeds side
In hindsight, it is a mistake. Rodon should have started at centre-back against Southampton – though the centre-backs were neither massively to blame. Could have done better with Armstrong’s first goal.
But it is a nice premise that Farke has gone in to the game with. If you play well and you deserve to keep your spot, then you keep it – regardless if a Premier League loanee is available. Rodon should come in.
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