Leeds United lost 3-1 to Southampton on the south coast on Saturday afternoon as a result of Daniel Farke’s decision to leave Joe Rodon on the bench. After the game, Farke explained his choice.
Rodon, 25, was suspended for the 3-0 victory against Watford after receiving a second yellow card in the 0-0 draw with Hull. However, he was able to play for Leeds on Saturday for the seventh time.
/origin-imgresizer.eurosport.com/2022/03/02/3330133-68082928-2560-1440.jpg)
Farke, though, decided to ignore the £15 million Tottenham acquisition. As a result of his captain Liam Cooper’s superb performance against Watford last season, he decided to stick with Pascal Struijk in defense.
But Southampton cruised to a 3-0 win – Adam Armstrong netting a brace and Will Smallbone getting his name on the score sheet. Farke explained his thinking by the decision to
“Yes [there was temptation to start Rodon] but he was involved in a few scenes which were not perfect. His red card could have been better at Hull. Last week, defensively we were at our best of the season. leave Rodon out of the team.
“Impressive over Watford, felt more like 7-0 or 8-0. Wanted to show players, if you take your chances, you keep your place in the team,” Farke told his post-match press conference, as per Leeds Live.
Farke explains decision to leave Rodon out of Leeds side
In hindsight, it is a mistake. Rodon should have started at centre-back against Southampton – though the centre-backs were neither massively to blame. Could have done better with Armstrong’s first goal.
But it is a nice premise that Farke has gone in to the game with. If you play well and you deserve to keep your spot, then you keep it – regardless if a Premier League loanee is available. Rodon should come in.
Leave a Reply