When Abu Kamara slammed home an equaliser for Hull City on January 4, Illan Meslier will have known that a torrent of criticism was about to come the Leeds United goalkeeper’s way.
It has been a tricky season for the Frenchman. Meslier might have 14 clean sheets in 26 Championship games but he is miles behind the likes of James Trafford and Michael Cooper in terms of save percentage.
Trafford is the Championship’s best, saving 85.7% of shots faced. Meslier is way down in 19th, saving 66.1% and for a side challenging for automatic promotion, that is simply not good enough to go up.
Having been caught way out of his goal for Hull’s first, and dropping a clanger for the second, Meslier was easily beaten for the third but Daniel Farke came out afterwards and leapt to Meslier’s defence.
What Leeds United staff are thinking about Daniel Farke move
It was arguably, a bit of a surprise. But Farke defended Meslier to the hill, so much so that it would be a shock if Farke does not start the £5m signing from Lorient when Leeds face Sheffield Wednesday today.
Stuart Dallas would start Karl Darlow instead of Meslier. But according to The Mail, staff at Leeds have been left impressed by Farke’s decision to talk up Meslier in the media, feeling it is ‘canny’ management.
Indeed, they are delighted with Farke’s man management. Often in press conferences, Farke keeps his cards close to his chest and does not fully open up but on Meslier, he gave an impassioned plea to fans.
Even suggesting that no other club in history would change their goalkeeper while the player’s team sit at the top of the table. Obviously, Sheffield United have since leapfrogged Leeds into first place, yesterday.
Sam Byram shares how Leeds squad have dealt with Meslier
When Hull scored their second goal after Meslier dropped the ball at the feet of Joao Pedro, it was clear to see Leeds have grown frustrated with the goalkeeper. Joe Rodon, Joel Piroe, Joe Rothwell all frustrated.
But Sam Byram was asked how Meslier has coped behind the scenes, and how the Leeds squad have got around Meslier since the Hull games in order to try and restore the Frenchman’s confidence in goal.
However, everyone will know that will the niceties can be aplenty behind the scenes and in front of the media, Meslier’s confidence will only start to return should he impress against Sheffield Wednesday.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
