Daniel Farke’s praise for one Leeds United player after the Premier League defeat to Fulham suggests he has no plans to use one of his competitors for a spot in the team.
Leeds United suffered their first agonising defeat of the season on Saturday, falling to a last-gasp 1-0 loss at Fulham in the worst of circumstances.
Daniel Farke’s side had impressed with a strong, competitive display, but left London with nothing once again as Gabriel Gudmundsson scored a 94th-minute own-goal.
Leeds didn’t create a great number of their own chances, especially after the break, but had done enough to deserve a point, especially through Karl Darlow’s heroics.
After a shaky start, the goalkeeper made several crucial, stretching saves, especially to deny a Harry Wilson free-kick and a bending shot from Kevin.
Though his good work was eventually in vain, Farke showered the goalkeeper with praise afterwards, but it isn’t great news for Illan Meslier.
Karl Darlow attempts to save Gabriel Gudmundsson's own-goal.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Daniel Farke has 100% trust in Karl Darlow
Darlow was in the starting XI to replace new No.1 Lucas Perri, who is set for a small spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury.
Losing your brand new, expensive shot-stopper is hardly ideal, but Leeds do at least have suitable back-up.
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Darlow was crucial in securing the Championship title last season when he came in for the final six games and, despite his error against Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup defeat, was excellent at Craven Cottage.
“We all love Karl,” Farke said in his post-match press conference.
“Doesn’t crack under pressure. Means we can give Perri enough time to recover.
“I’m not 1% worried when Karl is used.”
Karl Darlow praise is bad news for Illan Meslier
Darlow isn’t the only experienced goalkeeper Farke could call upon, as Meslier is still with the squad.
It was Meslier’s costly mistakes that saw him lose his spot in the side at the tail end of last season, before then being stripped of his No.1 shirt upon Perri’s arrival.
However, a much-mooted move to Turkey failed to materialise in the summer transfer window, with Perri’s injury ensuring he didn’t leave late on.
Yet, despite being on the bench against Fulham, it appears that Farke has no intention of giving Meslier another chance to start in the Premier League.
Instead, Darlow will be between the sticks until Perri is back fit again. The only way Meslier is getting in is if Darlow gets injured or suspended himself before then.