Illan Meslier makes ‘guilty’ Leeds United admission, says ‘let’s see’ about Elland Road future
Illan Meslier has admitted he would have felt guilty about leaving Leeds United this summer as he “contributed” to their relegation.
Speaking on The Official Leeds United Podcast (15 September), the Frenchman took responsibility for his part in the club’s relegation but remained vague regarding his future, noting simply that he’d “see” after Leeds are in the promotion spots.
Mesiler had a significant dip in form towards the end of last season and was replaced by Joel Robles in the final four games of the season, but has emerged as Daniel Farke’s top choice despite being tipped for a summer exit.
Meslier said, as quoted by LeedsAllOver: “You know sometimes, it’s difficult to leave when the club is going down, because of course you feel inside, you feel guilty because I played most of the games, and unfortunately the results were not good.
“I think also it wasn’t good for me maybe to leave and just let the club be in the second division, and you go to play somewhere and see them in the middle of the second division and think “Oh no, you contributed to this result”.
“So I think the best for me personally was like, okay, stay and play with big performances and try to put Leeds in the first two places (automatic promotion), and let’s see after.”
Respect
While he was talking to the club’s official podcast, Meslier’s honesty was refreshing.
Many players needed to take responsibility for the club’s downfall last season, and the Frenchman was one of them. In his final five Premier League matches, he conceded 18 goals, with interim boss Sam Allardyce swapping him out for Robles [Transfermarkt].
While the defence in front of him did him few favours, Meslier admitted responsibility.
Having witnessed Leeds’ relegation from the bench, Meslier’s commitment to the club since has done a lot to recover some of his reputation.
Throughout the summer, the 23-year-old was expected to depart, with The Atletic reporting (6 September) that Leeds expected Meslier to depart, but late interest from Celta Vigo did not materialise.
Meslier’s commitment to Leeds’ promotion push is clear as he specified the goal to reach the promotion places, but he was ambiguous regarding his future.
The France youth international clearly has some unfinished business at Elland Road, and fans will hope he can build on his improved form in the Championship.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports host has blasted “ridiculous” statements on the Whites’ summer business.