Daniel Farke had shown more patience in Illan Meslier – Leeds United’s much-maligned and increasingly error-prone goalkeeper – than most at Elland Road.
In fact, even when the clamour was growing for the Frenchman to be removed from the firing line, Farke stood strong behind the blundering Meslier. And yes, on occasions, this was still a goalkeeper capable of pulling off ‘world-class’ moments of prime-David de Gea-like shot-stopping.
See his remarkable reflex stop in the 2-0 victory over Coventry City, for instance.
Yet, as the £5 million signing from FC Lorient dropped the ball at the feet of Harry Darling, as Zan Vipotnik’s 96th minute equaliser flashed through his flailing limbs during Leeds United’s 2-2 draw with Swansea City, this was a problem Farke could ignore no longer.
As Leeds made the trip to Kenilworth Road in Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off, Karl Darlow started in Meslier’s place between the sticks.
Djordje Petrovic keen to stay at Strasbourg as Leeds United eye Illan Meslier replacement
Now, Karl Darlow was ‘solid’ enough on a rare Championship start, Farke said, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw which did little for Leeds’ automatic promotion prospects.
But at the age of 34, the former Newcastle United, Hull City and Nottingham Forest glovesman is hardly a long-term solution to an issue which has rumbled on for far too long already.
Hence the pursuit of a younger, fresher, more capable replacement. Leeds United are keen on the Chelsea-owned Djordje Petrovic, according to reports which emerged last week.
A 25-year-old Serbia international, Petrovic has been a stand-out performer on loan at Strasbourg this season. Liam Rosenior’s high-flying side are seventh in the Ligue 1 table. Yet, with only two points separating themselves from Lyon in fourth, Champions League football remains a very realistic ambition.
And, speaking ahead of Sunday’s trip to Stade Reims, Petrovic did not sound like a man in a rush to return to England.
“We have eight games left. It’s the most important part of the season,” the 6ft 4ins colossus told reporters. “Our goal is to finish in the top four and play in the Champions League next year.
“We’re approaching these games one after the other. I could even say ‘final after final’. We have to play each game like a final. That’s our mindset for the end of the season.”
Chelsea loanee dreaming of Champions League football in France
If Strasbourg do secure a Champions League spot – and momentum is certainly on their side after four successive league wins – then, with all due respect to one of the most historic clubs in England, returning to the UK with a Leeds side either facing a relegation battle in the Premier League or another promotion push in the Championship would feel like something of a backwards step.
Rosenior, the ex-Hull and Derby County coach, feels Strasbourg have a truly ‘world-class goalkeeper’ on their hands. One they will be hoping to keep hold of.
“I’ve always had confidence in my ability to improve,” Petrovic adds. “I’ve made more progress than I expected. I still have a bit of room to improve before the end of the season.
“I’m focused on finishing the season in the best possible way.
“We’ll see what happens this summer. Staying could be a very good option if Strasbourg plays in the Champions League.”
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