Daniel Farke spoke to the press last night after Leeds United’s 4-0 humiliation at Queens Park Rangers.
The Whites’ automatic promotion hopes are now in tatters with Ipswich Town just a point behind in third place, but with two games in hand before the final day.
It became apparent almost immediately that Leeds were not at the races in the capital, despite having seemingly restored some confidence with a 4-3 win at Middlesbrough on Monday, after a difficult run.
QPR scored twice in either half on the night, two of which came from set-piece situations, despite the fact they are actually one of the worst sides in the division at both scoring and defending them.
Having failed in such a big game, Leeds supporters understandably reacted angrily at their players at full-time. Leeds could now be in a position where the race does not even go to the final day.
Farke says he came close to starting Liam Cooper for Leeds vs QPR
With Patrick Bamford unable to make it through injury, Joel Piroe was the only change to the starting XI that won at Boro. Unfortunately, the Dutchman was horrendous.
Even despite winning at Boro, Leeds showed real signs of defensive frailty throughout that game and it was more of the same last night. That is now seven goals conceded in just two matches.
£600k ace Liam Cooper has not started since a poor display at Watford over Easter, and has played second fiddle to other centre-backs all season.
However, speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke says he came close to starting Cooper last night, but did not want to break up Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon‘s partnership, which until recently, looked so strong.
He said: “Excited about the potential of this team, but sometimes in the crunch period it is beneficial to have experience on the pitch. Many players on the pitch who have delivered in these circumstances.
“Young side anyway. Experience on the bench. Cooper was a temptation, but Ampadu and Rodon have been great this season. After the game you feel smarter with decisions. Real class is shown in the tough moments. These lads have shown a lot of good in a tough season.”
