Daniel Farke says several of his Leeds United squad had to play through injury issues in last night’s 3-1 win over Hull City.
After watching both Leicester City and Ipswich Town win three points in tough matches earlier in the day, the pressure was on Leeds but they managed to come through with two late goals.
Leeds were already without a number of players due to injury as Ilia Gruev failed to recover in time despite Farke’s initial hope, as well as Willy Gnonto, Connor Roberts, Pascal Struijk and Stuart Dallas.
Many of Leeds’ players had been in international action last week just a couple of days before the trip to Watford, and clearly the tight schedule had an effect on a number of members of the squad.
But thankfully they all seemed to play through the pain barrier to secure a massive three points, moving Leeds back up to second place with six games remaining.
Farke says 26-year-old Leeds star had to take pain killers before playing vs Hull City
It is a testament to the squad’s determination to get Leeds promoted for them to play through issues, and they certainly had to battle through against a Tigers side who were good on the ball.
Farke was speaking in his post-match press conference last night where he made the claim about a number of players having to come through the pain barrier.
Joe Rodon was one who even had to take pain killers in order to come through, while Glen Kamara was also feeling a little unwell in the build-up.
He said: “Yes, well deserved. We had six times the amount of xG they had. Complicated game due to the relentless schedule for my players. The third game in six days because they played on Tuesday or even Wednesday for Firpo.
“Then many players with problems today. Glen played ill, and had a cold. Thin on options, so I wanted him to go through this game, Cree had problems with a short morning session, Rodon could not join in there. Played with painkillers.”
James says Summerville dragged Leeds to victory
Summerville was another of those who had problems in the lead up to the game and so that makes it hugely impressive for him to produce a performance like he did.
It was his shot that led to Sam Byram’s opener, before he then won the penalty that he stepped up and scored with just a matter of minutes remaining.
The 22-year-old was also Leeds’ best player in the draw at Watford on Friday and Dan James believes he has ‘dragged’ the side to four points over the Easter period.
“Cree was unbelievable the other night. He dragged us through it and he’s done it again tonight. To get the penalty, step up and send the keeper, put it down the middle, credit to him.”