Leeds United started their year with a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers, and the game itself was another frustrating one for the Whites. But winger Manor Solomon was perhaps the most frustrated of all.
For Leeds United, 2025 has been a difficult year so far. Daniel Farke’s side have drawn their opening two games of the New Year, against Blackburn Rovers and then Hull City last time out.
Up next is a welcome break from league duties with a home game against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup. It’s a good chance for Farke to rest his top players and to also give those lesser-seen names a run out too.
One player who could be rested is Manor Solomon. The Spurs loanee has been a shining light for Leeds in the last few weeks, but Solomon was fuming with Farke after the German substituted him off during the Blackburn game.
So far this season, the 25-year-old has scored three goals and assisted five more in 19 Championship outings for the Whites, who remain in 1st place of the Championship table.
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Manor Solomon discusses Blackburn Rovers incident involving Daniel Farke
Speaking to The Athletic, Solomon discussed what happened during that Blackburn game, and why he was so furious with Farke’s decision to bring him off. After the game, Farke explained why he brought Solomon off, saying that he wanted to change to have two strikers inside the box.
Solomon has now given his side of the story. He said: “In the Blackburn game, I was dangerous, I was helping the team and I want to get the goal or to assist. I really wanted to win this game and to take three points in a really difficult game.
“When I was subbed off, I was pretty frustrated because I want to be there on the pitch to help my team and to help the players, but this is the manager’s decision and you have to respect it. That’s OK.”
Solomon then revealed that after the game, he and Farke didn’t discuss the issue. But Solomon says that Farke’s ‘door is always open’, adding: “At this point, I didn’t speak to the manager, but at some point, you can speak with the manager.
“Our manager is really open. His door is always open and I’ve had some really good conversations with him, in good periods, and in bad periods.”
Tony Dorigo disagreed with Daniel Farke decision for Leeds United vs Blackburn
During that 1-1 draw against Blackburn, Solomon was arguably Leeds’ best attacking threat. He was giving the Rovers full-back a nightmare and looked the most likely to seal the win for Leeds.
LUTV commentator Tony Dorigo was shocked when Farke brought Solomon off, with Solomon evidently surprised too. Dorigo said at the time: “Solomon? Wow, okay. Just thought Solomon was the one, putting in some fantastic crosses in. But we have the attacking cavalry on now.”
Looking back, Farke may have made the wrong call in that Blackburn game. Leeds’ lead at the top of the table is down to one point now and their next Championship game is another tough, but winnable one at home to Sheffield Wednesday on January 19th.
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