The dust is still settling on Leeds United’s play-off final defeat to Southampton.
A lot has been said and made about Leeds’ performance because, not only did they deserve to lose, but they hardly showed up at Wembley.
That was probably one of the most frustrating things for the fans because Daniel Farke was tactically outdone by Russell Martin for a third time this season.
There was that one big moment from Dan James when he hit the crossbar. His thunderous volley epitomised his side’s day.
The luck just wasn’t in Leeds’ camp and the fans headed for the exit doors with their mood deflated and the reality of now facing another season in the Championship.
There was a total of nine minutes of added-on time in the play-off final, with the game being played until the 101st minute because of other stoppages.
One of the most interesting comments from the game came from Troy Deeney and how he felt one Leeds player was hiding as the game was coming towards the end.
The former striker didn’t name the player, but claimed that, in the 97th minute, he was the ‘second-furthest man back’ when he should have been in the penalty box and stated that he ‘didn’t want the pressure of this chance could fall to me’, as he told Sky Sports Football (26/05/24 at 6:00 pm).
Yes, the Whites didn’t turn up, but it was more down to tactically being outdone. Players like Crysencio Summerville getting locked off by Kyle Walker-Peters – the third time he has done that – than anything else.
You can’t accuse the players of not wanting it, but Deeney was sure to express those thoughts.
Another season in the Championship for Leeds United
“There was a moment in the game when one of their players, who should have been in the box, was the second-furthest man back in the 97th-minute when you are trying to win,” said Deeney.
“That says to me that you don’t want the pressure of this chance could fall to me. The responsibility, because if you miss, then people are going to question you.
“But if you don’t do anything, people who are in the game like us, then we question you. I just question where some of these were at. It felt like three or four of those players were playing like this game was for them. It was probably ‘I am not going to be here next year, so let me show how good I am’”
Presssure on Daniel Farke
The remit at the start of the campaign was promotion. It wasn’t achieved.
Two of the three relegated sides – Leicester City and Southampton – got the job done, so there are no excuses from Farke, on that front.
READ MORE: Troy Deeney says Leeds United star ‘best player on the pitch’ during play-off final defeat
You can’t see him getting booted out. It would just create instability. And that is not needed, especially with players set to leave.
Sources have told HITC that Bayern Munich, who are set to appoint Vincent Kompany as their manager, are looking to target Archie Gray.
Whatever happens in the summer, all it does is just put further pressure on Farke to get the job done and earn promotion next season, or else, he will be out of the door.
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