For Farke Sake
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has confirmed that Illan Meslier will be dropped ahead of this weekend's trip to Luton Town.
The 25-year-old has suffered a huge dip in form during a crunch portion of the season, with the Whites desperate for Premier League promotion.
Meslier has recorded 21 clean sheets from 39 Championship outings this season, despite a string of high-profile mistakes.
His latest cost Leeds maximum points at home to Swansea City last Saturday, having gone from hero to villain.
Meslier saved a penalty at Elland Road but then was at fault for both of the visitors' goals in the 2-2 draw, as Sheffield United leapfrogged the club at the top of the Championship.
Confirming the Frenchman would be replaced by Karl Darlow for Leeds' next match, Farke said: "I work with human beings not robots. Difficult decision to take with Illan. It’s always a bit difficult.
"We all know Illan has had a difficult season so far, you have to be honest. I think in general, your No. 1 you are a bit more careful to change than an outfield player.
"If they have one or two difficult games, you can rotate a bit. In the goalkeeper position it’s important you don’t change game-to-game, even after a few mistakes. Illan has done a lot for this club, took part in securing promotion a few years ago, good first season at Premier League level, more than 100 Premier League games under his belt. Last season he was in Championship Team of the Season. I made it quite clear, the last time we spoke about this topic, it’s professional football and you have to deliver good performances and perform well.
"Last weeks we felt he could have done better in a few situations. Right now, it was a decision I feel I had to make and to protect him a little bit. The camera and spotlight is on him, he’s still a young man, the weight of the world is on his shoulders, and we have to protect him. Second reason I had this decision, I have a reliable and proper option in Darlow.
"Experienced goalkeeper, proven at this level, top class character, I know he hasn’t played many league games in last few years, performs really well every day in training, loyal and good moment right now because he’s played two solid performances vs Wales. He’s in a good rhythm so we got the feeling in this moment, heading into a nervy crunch time period, feeling the pressure, it’s the right time to take this decision."
On how Meslier took the news, he added: "He was disappointed he couldn’t show what he showed last season in Team of the Season.
"He knew he was on course for Man of the Match [vs Swansea] with the penalty save. Should’ve done better with second goal. He’s a team player, playing for this club several years, knows what it means for him to defend the shirt and to show this.
"He was disappointed he couldn’t help the team in the last game. Karl was always a loyal assistant to him, Illan will do the same.
"We spoke after training session today, tries to help the team in the second goalkeeper role. I’m 100 per cent he will do this. Sometimes when you feel the pressure and world on your shoulders, it can feel like relief. I saw him laughing with the boys and it can be beneficial for him. Have a breather right now, and come back stronger."
Credit: Getty