Daniel Farke was understandably frustrated after his Leeds United side’s 1-0 defeat to Burnley.
The Whites were beaten for the first time in the league all season in a game which could easily have gone in Leeds‘ favour if some of the key moments had gone in their favour.
Mateo Joseph missed a golden opportunity inside the first minute which could and should have given the game a completely different complexion.
Farke was also left disappointed at Manor Solomon’s slip which led to Burnley’s winning goal, as well as the role Jayden Bogle played in it.
But there should certainly be some reflection on his behalf with both his substitutions, and why Leeds were so slow and passive whenever they had the ball.
Farke explains Patrick Bamford absence for Leeds
Leeds were without a few important players in the squad for the defeat at Elland Road, but perhaps none more so than Dan James.
Had he been fit and on the right, it would’ve allowed Wilfried Gnonto to move inside or onto the left where he would’ve seen considerably more of the ball. James’ pace in behind would’ve also been highly useful.
Max Wober and Patrick Bamford, rather surprisingly, were Leeds’ other absentees, despite the latter’s return to team training on Tuesday.
Due to the amount of injury problems he has had in the last couple of seasons, many would’ve assumed he may have suffered a recurrence of the hamstring issue has been nursing.
However, speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke insisted his omission was not due to injury, but more the fact he needs more time on the training pitch before he is considered for selection.
He said: “Bamford is not injured. He has missed a lot of training. Only back since Tuesday and it’s important he gains back his match fitness for the games. Needs another full week of training with us.”
Leeds need a striker in January
Though it is understandable why Farke did not rush Bamford back, today is yet more evidence of why they need a striker in January.
Bamford simply cannot be relied on and by the time he is back fully fit, his next injury will probably not be too far around the corner.
Joseph has impressed in his five matches leading the line so far but at the same time, it would be fair to say his finishing has not been there.
He really should’ve found the net with that early chance he had and so perhaps some more cover and competition for him would be useful for the squad.
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