Credit: Imago

Daniel Farke sent ‘ice cold’ message to Leeds United star Joel Piroe amid late drama v Preston North End – Phil Hay

Mon 22 January 2024 7:10, UK

Daniel Farke sent a message to his Leeds United team via Joe Rodon to tell them to let Joel Piroe take the Whites’ late penalty against Preston North End, according to Phil Hay.

The Athletic journalist reported via his X account on Sunday (21 January) that the German manager confirmed in his post-match press conference that he made the call for the Dutchman to take the decisive spot kick in the closing stages of the clash.

Once the penalty was awarded, it was Patrick Bamford who picked up the ball and stood on the spot while the away side protested the decision, only for the Englishman to hand Piroe the ball to calmly slot home from 12 yards.

Explaining the decision, Farke was quoted by Hay saying: “He’s one of our best finishes, if not the best, ice cold.”

Ice cold

A lot has been made of Farke’s in-game management since he arrived at Leeds United. Some pundits and journalists have criticised the German for his substitutions and changes during matches previously, but Sunday was a very different story.

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Bamford has previously scored some important goals for Leeds and given his recent form, it would have made sense for the Englishman to have stepped up on Sunday, but Farke was not willing to take that chance after his costly miss against Stoke.

Farke says it was a battle to "stay cool" in the circumstances, with tackles flying in and a lot of niggle.

On the penalty, Farke sent the message from the bench (carried by Rodon) that Piroe should take it. "He's one of our best finishers, if not the best, ice cold." #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 21, 2024

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Piroe himself hasn’t been in the best form in recent weeks, but from the penalty spot, there are few more reliable finishers in the Championship. Farke made the correct call to ensure that the Dutchman was the man to shoulder the responsibility.

Hopefully, Piroe will be able to kick on and rediscover the excellent form that made him such a force at the start of the season. It is clear that Farke has plenty of trust in his summer signing, now he has to continue to reward that faith.

In other Leeds United news, Sam Byram has lifted the lid on his long-term future at Elland Road

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