Daniel Farke offers Karl Darlow glimmer of hope after what happened in Leeds vs Man United
Karl Darlow will certainly hope to be the Leeds United number one under Daniel Farke.
The Wales international is the undisputed backup goalkeeper at the Whites after making his way into the starting lineup towards the end of last season.
Illan Meslier is still at Elland Road despite effectively becoming the third-choice shot-stopper, and he isn’t expected to leave anytime soon.
Farke has relied on Lucas Perri in the current campaign, but the Frenchman has been sent a warning that may give Darlow a glimmer of hope.
Lucas Perri walks tightrope after Leeds display vs Manchester United
Farke seems to have sent Perri a warning about his place in Leeds’ starting lineup, possibly giving Darlow a slight glimmer of hope after warming the bench since the end of October in the Premier League.
The Brazilian goalkeeper didn’t have the best of games at Elland Road on 4 January as the Whites drew 1-1 against Manchester United.
Brenden Aaronson gave the West Yorkshire outfit the lead at around the hour mark, but less than three minutes later, Matheus Cunha scored, and the former Olympique Lyon ace should’ve arguably done better.
Speaking in his pre-Newcastle United press conference on 5 January, when asked about the number one spot, Farke said, “Like for all the other players, it’s the same. You have to deliver performances, and then you keep your spot. So there’s no one who has this name for granted on the team sheet.”
The German manager added, “But on the other side, in general, it doesn’t make sense to rotate more or less after each better or poorer performance or training performance.”
Losing to Farke was the final nail in Ruben Amorim’s coffin, and despite the disappointment of dropping two points at home, the Whites can be proud of their seven-game unbeaten run.
Daniel Farke double change guaranteed at St James’ Park
Farke has solidified hopes of Premier League safety at Elland Road, but the German manager won’t want to see his team take the foot off the gas.
Newcastle are up next for Leeds, with Eddie Howe’s team surely looking to build on their wins against Burnley and Crystal Palace.
| Player | Appearances | Goals |
| Dominic Calvert-Lewin | 18 | 8 |
| Lukas Nmecha | 17 | 4 |
Ilia Gruev and Noah Okafor could potentially be dropped to the bench, with Ao Takana and Lukas Nmecha starting in their place.
The Bulgaria international and Swiss forward didn’t make much of an impact against Man United, and Farke may look to reignite the former VfL Wolfsburg striker’s partnership with Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front.