Illan Meslier has admitted that he “failed” last season at Leeds United but is determined to come back stronger and help us gain promotion back to the Premier League, where he feels we belong.
Meslier, 23, has starred for Leeds this season. But it comes off the back of two very difficult seasons at Elland Road. The Frenchman conceded 145 goals in 72 Premier League games over the last two years.
The ex-Lorient stopper was axed from the starting line-up by Sam Allardyce for the last four games of 2022-23 – and he was expected to go in the summer. But, he has since returned to the fold at Leeds.
Despite the belief he would go and the signing of Karl Darlow, Meslier has remained at Leeds and is still first choice. This season, he is edging closer – back to his best form. Six clean sheets in 16 matches.
Meslier spoke to Leeds Live this week and he admits that he “failed” at Elland Road last season – but is hell-bent on making it good this season, and playing a part in Leeds returning to the Premier League.
“I failed and I will maybe fail again, but how to react is the most important [thing] and to work hard. ‘Okay, this happened, now how can I react to this situation to become stronger and more confident?’
“It wasn’t easy being relegated. I want to be promoted with Leeds because, to be honest, the Premier League is our place. That’s why I want to give everything I can to help the club to be promoted again.”
Illan Meslier admits he failed last season at Leeds United
Meslier did fail last season. He was miles off it, in terms of his kicking and making mistake after mistake when it came to his shot-stopping – which is actually seen as his forte. This season, that has changed.
Meslier seems happy again, under the guidance of Daniel Farke. His save against Leicester in the final seconds from a Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was sensational. Meslier in goal aids our push for promotion.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
