Daniel Farke told his Leeds United players that he is proud of them for overcoming post-loss anxiety and anxieties to defeat Queens Park Rangers 1-0 at home.
The Whites took the lead early on thanks to Crysencio Summerville and were far superior in the first half despite failing to add to their tally. Leeds had a more tough second half, though they could have scored another goal or two before QPR finally forced Illan Meslier into action. Lyndon Dykes’ late stop from the goalkeeper preserved the clean sheet and clinched victory.
The game’s main talking point was QPR keeper Asmir Begovic’s red card in stoppage time for a challenge on Patrick Bamford, despite the fact that replays revealed there was no contact and both players told Rangers boss Gareth Ainsworth as much.
Farke, who said he was too far away to evaluate the flashpoint, opted to focus on his team’s performance, which will be required on occasion if they are to contend for promotion.
“I told the lads today that I’m really proud of them because you can be on a great run like we were before Southampton, but it’s always the same, when one disappointing result comes, the next game is unbelievably difficult.” It’s never champagne or pyrotechnics to grind out a result; it’s always hard labor. I enjoy it when we play opponents off the ball, but in these games, when it’s so tough – we scored a fantastic goal but didn’t score the second and let them live – anything can happen.
“If you don’t score in the second, you become increasingly nervous.” It’s football time. We’ve still dominated every statistic, but there’s one hiccup, one ball goes through, and thank God Illan was in the correct position. We were quite happy to win and bring this close lead over the finish line. To be there again with a clean sheet and to respond to a heartbreaking loss with a win is what you need if you want to be there at the end of the season to celebrate.”
Farke made four changes to his lineup following the 3-1 loss at Southampton, starting Jaidon Anthony for the first time and recalling Joe Rodon, Archie Gray, and Luke Ayling. Jamie Shackleton missed out due to a shoulder injury, while Liam Cooper, Glen Kamara, and Daniel James were forced to sit. Farke’s choice was influenced by the frantic pace of this week.
“We’ve got three games in seven days and each game is different in terms of tactical necessities,” he stated.
“We left some players out, including Dan James, who had five assists, but there were some pre-season and season-long injuries.” You can’t always take chances with players. We always require the entire group. I have faith in all of my players. When you have such a busy spell, you have to give some players who have never played before a chance. It is critical that they use it. We come back with three points and a clean sheet, so everything is fine.”
Farke was relieved to be able to rely on Bamford late in the game, with the centre striker providing impetus for Leeds with his runs in behind and muscular presence.
“We’ve missed him a lot,” the German remarked.
“To bring on a proven goalscorer and to have his experience to work his ball to the corner flag, his ability to keep the ball, win headers, was quite crucial.”
