Daniel Farke has shared his assessment on Leeds United’s 1-1 draw at Norwich City and the reasons behind his substitutions in the final 20 minutes.
Leeds were forced to come from behind to earn a respectable point at Carrow Road but it could’ve been more hard Farke perhaps kept some of his attacking players on for longer.
After Joe Rodon’s rash challenge inside the area handed Josh Sargent the chance from the spot, Leeds went into the break undeservedly 1-0 down.
Largie Ramazani then got Leeds back level 15 minutes into the second half and for a brief period, had looked the side more likely to go on and win the match.
However, presumably with Sunderland away in mind, Farke took off pretty much any remaining pace Leeds had left on the field, with the likes of Joel Piroe failing to make any sort of impact. The game ended all square.
- READ MORE: Leeds United player ratings in Norwich draw as Wilfried Gnonto shines but defensive duo struggle
Farke makes interesting claim on Largie Ramazani work rate
For about 10 minutes after the goal, Leeds had Norwich penned into their own box and should’ve had the chance to go in front, but for a shambolic performance from referee Stephen Martin.
Ramazani and Gnonto, who linked up for the goal, were causing all sorts of problems for the home side’s defence, until they were brought off within a matter of minutes of each other.
This is the second match in succession Ramazani has been brought off some time before the end, and Farke explained exactly why in his post-match press conference.
Ramazani is said to be almost working too hard on the pitch and so was brought off early to preserve his legs for Sunderland. The Leeds boss says it is something that needs working on.
He said: “It was more or less his third start and once it’s such an intense game he was struggling a bit. In terms of the workload you will find at the moment not many wingers who deliver less than this distance in the whole league.
“I don’t mean this as criticism, we have to work on his physical point. We have wingers who are out, we can’t afford another injury. This was the plan, especially against Norwich, they deliver always the games with the most distance covered and distance intensity in the whole league.
“You need wingers who help to work back. We wanted to use his creativity and momentum to leave him as long as possible on the pitch. I’m happy he came through 70 minutes.”
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke says Leeds player ‘does not look great’ after picking up injury in Norwich draw
Leeds need Manor Solomon and Dan James back
Based on the last three matches, there is no way Farke can drop Ramazani and Gnonto as his first choice wing pairing.
Ramazani has two goals and one assist in three starts, while Gnonto has a goal and two assists in his last two. Clearly they enjoy playing together.
However, when they do tire towards the end of matches, Leeds have no one they can bring off the bench to replace them.
The sooner both Manor Solomon and Dan James return from injury the better, so Farke doesn’t have to weaken the side significantly when making changes.
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