I WILL NOT PLAY AGAIN:Leeds United best player announces a sudden departure…….
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke admits it was a difficult decision to take off two of his dangermen late on in a 1-1 draw with Norwich that he declared a ‘good point on the road.’
The Whites came from behind at Carrow Road but suffered another potentially costly injury with the first half departure of Ilia Gruev. The Bulgarian international came off just after Norwich went ahead through Josh Sargent’s penalty. Leeds are already without defensive midfielder Ethan Ampadu until January and Gruev’s premature exit left Farke with a pair of natural 8s in the middle of the park. Ao Tanaka was joined by Joe Rothwell in midfield and the Japan international shone in possession, but Leeds did look dangerously open when Norwich countered.
Farke’s men hit back in the second half when Man of the Match Willy Gnonto teed up Largie Ramazani for his second goal in Leeds colours. Gnonto held a threat throughout the game and Leeds were on top with 20 minutes to go but when the Italian and Ramazani both went off it was Norwich who ended the game on top. Farke revealed that Ramazani was initially due to come off after 60 minutes but was kept on a little longer due to his performance.
“It was a difficult decision, we have three games in six days,” said Farke. “Our offensive players, Largie the plan was just 60 minutes but after he equalised I wanted to use his rhythm a bit and leave him a bit longer. Willy from minute 75 on the way backwards was a bit difficult. I wanted to set the sign that we need all the players who are available. It was good to give Patrick [Bamford] the first minutes, we desperately need him during the season. I wanted to bring Joel [Piroe] in, he has momentum with back-to-back goals. We have a quick turnaround for Friday [against Sunderland], it was also important. I left the players even longer than I had planned to but thank God it still paid off with a good point.”
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