Daniel Farke appeared to send a ‘pointed’ message regarding Largie Ramazani following Leeds United’s massive victory over Middlesbrough.
Leeds United finally got back to winning ways on Tuesday night as they narrowly edged past Middlesbrough 1-0 at the Riverside.
Dan James got the crucial goal after just two minutes but Leeds would see strikes from Ao Tanaka and Patrick Bamford wrongly disallowed for offside.
Boro had several chances of their own in a tense affair but Leeds managed to hold on and return to the top of the Championship table after Sheffield United lost again and Burnley could only draw.
It’s been a difficult few weeks for Daniel Farke as the manager has come in for some tough criticism following the poor results and some of his statements to the media.
Farke’s comments on Largie Ramazani have come under particular scrutiny, but it appeared to be water under the bridge at full-time.
Daniel Farke and Largie Ramazani celebrate win together
It’s been a while since Leeds’ players have been able to celebrate a victory with the fans, with their last coming nearly a month ago on March 12.
Given the run of form, the players were seemingly reluctant to receive the adulation of the travelling supporters until captain Ethan Ampadu pushed Patrick Bamford forward.
After that, Farke and Ramazani stepped forward together and raised their arms in stereo with the fans’ cheering before sharing an embrace.
As journalist Beren Cross pointed out on X, formerly Twitter, the move was ‘quite pointed’ as Farke portrayed a united front after a difficult period.
What Daniel Farke has said about Largie Ramazani
Leeds fans have been desperate for Ramazani to get a chance in the side, especially with Manor Solomon and Brenden Aaronson struggling for form in recent weeks.
The clamour for the winger got even hotter this past week after Farke said Ramazani needs to ‘step up’ following the draw with Luton, blasting his lack of maturity in duels, and criticised him again ahead of the trip to Teeside.
Farke said in his pre-match press conference: “We all love Ramazani, he has that touch of magic.
“But a few things are not negotiable.
“You want to make your team fresher instead of a bit lazier, we know Largie has that capacity.
“He lost focus and lost the ball like last home game, and Ao Tanaka got a yellow card (blaming him for this).”
Though they celebrated together after the game, it’s perhaps more telling that Ramazani did not get on the pitch.
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