"Worth double figures" - Leeds United: Daniel Farke backs under-fire Illan Meslier despite Hull City clanger | OneFootball

Daniel Farke has spoken out on IlIan Meslier's recent mistake.

Leeds United fans were left bitterly disappointed last Saturday as they allowed a two-goal lead to slip away at Hull City, but manager Daniel Farke has backed goalkeeper Illan Meslier, who came under the most criticism for the result.

Having come from 1-0 down to secure a 3-1 advantage, the last 10 minutes seemed like the Whites would cruise their way to victory.

However, a catastrophic error by Illan Meslier when trying to catch the ball above his head saw it land at Joao Pedro's feet, who gladly tapped home.

This put Daniel Farke's side under pressure and the Tigers capitalised with Abu Kamara's sweetly timed volley, sending the MKM Stadium into raptures late on.

While a 3-3 draw was by no means disastrous, it marked yet another instance where a lapse in concentration from Meslier proved costly, as his error against Sunderland had similarly contributed to surrendering a lead.

Had the Whites managed to secure three points in both fixtures, they would now be sitting five points clear of Sheffield United. Instead, Meslier's mistakes leave them just one point ahead of the Blades, who will be eager to capitalise on this slim margin in the coming weeks.

Daniel Farke disappointed with Illan Meslier mistakes

Despite expressing frustration over the error from Meslier, Farke admitted that he wouldn't go into "panic mode" about the situation.

"After the game everyone was annoyed, disappointed, angry and emotional and so was I if I am honest," Farke stated in his press conference prior to the FA Cup clash with Harrogate Town this weekend.

"When the ball went in for the second goal, I was also angry and annoyed.

"But it isn't possible to lead a club like Leeds United in panic mode. I try and lead the club in my approach, which is a good balance of two things.

"The first thing is an honest assessment and to not let the standard drop. The second is to trust and also back my players.

"I think it is fair to say he (Meslier) had a poor game against Hull, and it was definitely a decisive mistake for the second goal. But, I think he could have also done better for the first and third goal."

The Leeds head coach continued to acknowledge that while Meslier has made mistakes this season and needs to demonstrate greater consistency, it’s important not to overlook the crucial saves and standout performances he has delivered across his multiple years at Elland Road.

Leeds United: Daniel Farke backs Illan Meslier to come through tough period

Following on from his comments that he wants to see more from Meslier, Farke admitted that the Frenchman also demands this of himself and is self-critical when it comes to his performances on the pitch.

Continuing, the German boss said: "We have a 24-year-old young man who came as a teenager and is always loyal to the club.

"In a situation when there was a lot of interest in him, when it was easy for him to leave after relegation, he stuck to the club because he wanted to pay something back.

"He's highly-rated in the football world and is worth double figures in terms of millions.

"In his CV he has more than 200 games for us and already more than 100 Premier League games. I need to see another goalkeeper of his age with that CV."

Speaking about whether he would change his goalkeeping options, Farke said: "It would be a sign of madness right now to think about a change.

"We would be the only club in the history of football who is sitting top after 60% of the games played, who is eight games unbeaten, who has had a perfect festive period to panic about their number one."

Clearly, we will see no change in goal this January and while Karl Darlow is set to feature in the FA Cup against Harrogate Town, Meslier’s position as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper remains firmly intact.