Leeds United: Mateo Joseph start update emerges v Coventry City
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has poured water on the clamour for young striker Mateo Joseph to start ahead of Patrick Bamford against Coventry City on April 6.
Speaking to BBC Radio Leeds’ Adam Pope ahead of the Whites’ Championship match, Farke emphasised the importance of Bamford’s experience in the centre-forward role.
Joseph scored a late equaliser just seconds after coming off the bench in Leeds’ 2-2 draw with Watford on Good Friday, and also made a telling impact on Easter Monday, hitting the post before two late goals secured a 3-1 victory over Hull City.
On the calls for Joseph to start ahead of Bamford, Farke said: “It’s important we’re not driven by emotions and put too much weight on young shoulders. He has affected the game and it’s good to have this player. It’s also important to have experienced players on the pitch like Patrick.”
Patrick Bamford to start v Coventry?
Bamford scored Leeds’ first goal of 2024 in their 3-0 win over Birmingham City on New Year’s Day, and neither Farke nor the once-capped England striker have looked back since.
Leeds are yet to lose in the 14 games since and have won 12 of them, with all seven of Bamford’s goals this season coming during this period, including the winner against Norwich and crucial opening strikes against Cardiff, Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday.
Bamford’s endless running and clever movement did fade against Hull, as well as missing a guilt-edge chance from close range, but his role as the leader of Leeds’ press did free up space for Joseph to make an impact late on.
Joseph is undoubtedly a top talent and chomping at the bit to start, but with Leeds in league-best form coming into the run-in, Farke will be unlikely to try and fix something that isn’t broken.
In other Leeds news, Bayern Munich have emerged as another of the high-end clubs monitoring the progress of breakout youngster Archie Gray.
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