Joel Robles shares truth about ‘complicated situation’ at Leeds United as Illan Meslier axed by Sam Allardyce
Leeds United goalkeeper Joel Robles expressed his delight at regaining his place in the team against Manchester City on Saturday, despite the “complicated situation” involving teammate Illan Meslier.
New boss Sam Allardyce opted to play the Spaniard in between the sticks for the Premier League match at the Etihad on Saturday [6 May] after a string of costly errors in previous matches from Meslier.
Robles rewarded Allardyce’s trust with a brilliant individual showing against the league leaders despite the 2-1 defeat and speaking to Spanish outlet Marca [9 May], Robles was pleased with the faith shown in him.
“A lot of different situations this weekend. The main one is good,” he said.
“Because I think we are in a situation where we need the three points as soon as possible and well.
“I don’t know if I’m happy or not happy, but, well, to come back to play minutes with a coach who trusts you in such a complicated situation as we are living. Well, that’s good.
“The truth is that you feel a little bit of pride, not for the whole year that you have been working very hard, waiting for the moments and well, well, that’s what we live as goalkeepers, isn’t it?”
Correct decision
It’s never nice to see a young goalkeeper lose his spot in the team after a string of horrendous mistakes in previous matches, but such is the complicated situation with Leeds United now currently in the relegation spots, Allardyce certainly had to make the hard choice on Sunday.
And after Robles’ showing against Manchester City, it was the right decision as the Spaniard put in an impressive performance even despite not featuring for so long.
The former Real Betis will now have gained the trust of Allardyce to start the remaining fixtures for Leeds United as they try to navigate their way out of a tight spot right now.
There can certainly be no more room for needless errors, which Meslier has been guilty of in recent weeks, arguably costing the Whites a place in the Premier League next season.
The next three matches are absolutely huge for Leeds United and their future, and in order to get the best results, Allardyce needs experienced and capable heads to turn the tide in their favour. Robles is certainly one of those players right now.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites will be without four first-team players for their Premier League clash against Newcastle United on Saturday (13 May), according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.