Farke: We had players with problems against the Tigers
LEEDS boss Daniel Farke revealed several of his players had been struggling during his side’s 3-1 win against Hull City, which lifted them back into the Championship’s automatic promotion places and delivered another hammer blow to the Tigers’ hopes of finishing in the top six.
Sam Byram’s early header for Leeds was deservedly cancelled out by Fabio Carvalho and the visitors went on to out-play their hosts for long periods in the first half without forcing home goalkeeper Illan Meslier into any serious work.
Leeds created the better chances but failed to hit top form and breathed a sigh of relief when Crysencio Summerville converted a late penalty after Regan Slater’s clumsy foul two minutes from time.
Daniel James scored from 40 yards into an empty net with virtually the last kick after Tigers keeper Ryan Allsop had gone up for a stoppage-time corner to give the scoreline a lop-sided look, and condemn City to a second defeat over the Easter weekend and now without victory in their last six games.
Farke, without injured trio Willy Gnonto, Illia Gruev and Connor Roberts, said: “Yes, well deserved. We had six times the amount of xg they had. It was a complicated game for us due to many reasons. For many of my players it was the third game in six days on international duty.
“Then we had many players on the pitch with problems. Glen Kamara played while ill. He had a cold, but we were thin on central midfield options, so I wanted him to go through this game. Cry Summerville had some problems, Joe Rodon couldn’t train because he had a back spasm. He played with painkillers. Sam Byram told me at half-time: ‘Boss I can’t sprint anymore.’ I told him 80 per cent then, you have to keep going.
“So many problems and the main problem was we played a really good side. A really good possession side. If you analyse their results against the top sides, they never lose.”
Summerville converted from the spot in the 88th minute after
Slater’s tired challenge, but not before a lengthy debate with late Leeds substitute Joel Piroe over who would take the penalty.
“It was difficult,” Farke added.
“The problem was I don’t like it for players to take a penalty when they’re just 30 seconds on the pitch. I never believe in bringing players on just for penalties because you need to have at least a few touches.
“There was confusion as Joel was just 30 seconds on the pitch and it was definitely the right decision that Cry took over and rightly took it – and thank God he scored.”