‘Let’s be honest’: Daniel Farke says one Leeds player was not at his best despite win over QPR

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Daniel Farke has admitted Joel Piroe was not at his best for Leeds United against QPR, but is happy with his partnership alongside Georginio Rutter.

Farke was speaking in his post-match press conference after Leeds’ 1-0 win over the London club, in which Piroe endured a quiet night.

The 24-year-old struggled to get into the game for much of his time on the pitch, while Leeds were also unable to create him any chances.

It is the second game in a row in which the action has often bypassed him, raising question marks as to whether Farke is getting the best out of him in that deeper role.

There is no doubt Piroe enjoys getting into the area from deep positions, but when Leeds are looking to build up, he is often anonymous which means he could be better suited to playing higher up.

Farke says Piroe was not at his best

While Farke says he is happy with the way Piroe’s partnership with Rutter is developing, he did acknowledge the Dutchman was below his best on Wednesday night.

He said: “Yes. If we win games and they’re both involved in goals, everything is ok. To be there for Joel with four goals already is good, after just a few games, I think seven games and four goals, if he can keep going with that then happy days. Georgi put another assist in and also a really good performance.

“It is not always the day to shine for both of them, they have a fantastic relationship and score goals just for fun, sometimes it’s difficult days and for Georgi I think it was many good situations today. Joel didn’t have his best day today let’s be honest, but he is still unbelievably important for us and also pleased that I could save him a few minutes in the end.

“To bring a quality player like Patrick Bamford on because the next game is coming soon. He has just played 60 or 65 minutes, I think he’s saved some energy for the next game.”

It is becoming slightly concerning that Farke has not yet got the best out of Piroe and in matches when Leeds aren’t so dominant, his position in the starting XI may not be guaranteed.

Though his goal return so far is strong, in matches where he has not found the net he has contributed virtually nothing and that is on Farke to ensure he finds a position for him that changes that.