Speaking after the match, Daniel Farke addressed the press and expressed his concern about the possibility of one of his Leeds United players receiving a red card during their game against Norwich City. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, with the Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe in attendance to witness the defensive effort put forth by the team.
Farke’s strategy for the game was clear – tighten up defensively and secure a clean sheet to set up a better chance of victory in the upcoming second leg at Elland Road. Archie Gray was included in the starting lineup ahead of Joel Piroe, not as a no.10 but to bolster the midfield and add stability without possession of the ball.
BBC Radio Leeds pundit Jon Newsome praised Gray for his hard work on the pitch, while Willy Gnonto had a frustrating day and missed what could have been a penalty opportunity early in the game. Gnonto was also booked for sarcastically applauding the referee, prompting Farke to substitute him as a precautionary measure to avoid a potential sending off.
With key players already sidelined due to injury, Farke did not want to risk losing Gnonto to suspension. The decision to take him off was supported by the manager, who acknowledged Gnonto’s temperamental nature and the possibility of him receiving a second yellow card. The move also considered the referee’s tendency to issue red cards for minor infractions, as seen in a previous match where Illan Meslier was sent off.
Ultimately, Farke’s decision proved to be the right one as Leeds secured a valuable clean sheet and now head into the second leg with their attacking options intact. The manager emphasized the importance of keeping the squad fresh and ready for the upcoming match at Elland Road, where they will aim to secure a win in front of their fans.
