Daniel Farke once again had plenty to say after his Leeds United side beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-0 on Sunday. He also had plenty of praise to dish out to his players as the Whites moved back into 1st place of the table.
Leeds United regained their spot at the top of the Championship table after their 3-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. Sheffield United had briefly taken the lead after they won on Saturday.
A goal from Manor Solomon early on, then from Largie Ramazani and Ao Tanaka later in the game sealed a relatively routine win for Leeds over Yorkshire rivals Sheffield Wednesday, who gave the game a good go.
There was a bit of tension going into the game with Leeds having drawn their opening two games of 2025. There was also a lot of eyes on goalkeeper Illan Meslier.
The Frenchman has been in headlines in recent weeks. Meslier’s blunder against Hull City has brought up a lot of debate about whether he’s the best no.1. In Farke’s mind, there remains no doubt.
Daniel Farke makes strong point about Illan Meslier after Sheffield Wednesday
Speaking to Leeds Live after the game, Farke admitted that Meslier’s not been at his best in recent weeks. But Farke then insisted that he thinks Meslier was back to his best against the Owls, even though he had barely anything to do all game.
Farke said: “It was important to return to our best defensive behaviour. Illan in the last games was not in the top level but today he returned back to this. Illan didn’t have much to do today. One moment and he was switched on. It did not surprise me he had a good game.”
Farke has defended Meslier’s Leeds form on multiple occasions now. But his latest comments on Meslier may not go down so well with Leeds fans, with many still convinced that Meslier isn’t the best option in goal at the club.
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke drops possible Emi Buendia transfer hint after Leeds United beat Sheffield Wednesday
Illan Meslier stats for Leeds United vs Sheffield Wednesday says it all
It was a very quiet game for the 24-year-old Meslier. Whilst Wednesday had their share of attacks, few resulted in actual shots on goal for Meslier to deal with. In fact, in the entirety of the game, Meslier had just two saves to make, neither of which expending much effort.
For Farke to say Meslier is back to his best – whilst probably an attempt to quell the ongoing debate over Meslier’s position – may only stoke the fire further, as it comes across as Farke downplaying the whole situation.
If Meslier had more saves to make, and generally more to do in the game, then Farke’s comments would’ve been justified. Now if the January transfer window ends and Meslier makes an error, it’ll really frustrate the fanbase.
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