Daniel Farke has explained how he reacted with Gabriel Gudmundsson after his heartbreaking own-goal cost Leeds United a point against Fulham.
Leeds United put in another competitive and fierce performance on their return to Premier League competition on Saturday, but they walked away from Fulham with nothing after last-minute agony.
With the game set to finish goalless, Leeds had one last cross to defend but it somehow resulted in Gabriel Gudmundsson heading into his own goal, despite being under no pressure.
It was a draining gut punch to Daniel Farke’s side, who deserved the point for their resolute defensive display but were made to regret a lack of cutting edge.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin sent a free header right at the goalkeeper and Sean Longstaff clipped the crossbar, but Leeds created few clear-cut chances given their control of the ball.
Instead, they suffered a ninth Premier League defeat in London in succession, but Farke has revealed he was not angry with Gudmundsson for his costly error.
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty ImagesDaniel Farke praises Gabriel Gudmundsson despite costly Leeds United own-goal
Speaking in his press conference after the game, Farke explained his reaction to Gudmundsson at the full-time whistle.
“He just needs a hug around his shoulder,” he said when asked if he’d spoken to the Swede.
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“Sometimes it’s written in the stars. He was excellent today. So crucial for our game, in possession.
“I feel heartbroken and I feel for the players. Excellent away performance. We adapted perfectly to the situation.
“When you concede such a goal, I feel for the lads. I feel pretty proud. Not the easiest couple of weeks with deadline day and players coming back from injuries.
“I have no critical words. Sometimes, you have to accept football is like this. We will be disappointed but, Monday we go again.”
Despite his bizarre own goal, Gudmundsson did put in yet another solid display, keeping Harry Wilson and then the rapid Adama Traore completely quiet.
Of Leeds’ 10 summer signings, Gudmundsson has started the best and Farke’s encouraging words will hopefully ensure his confidence isn’t dimmed after the mistake.
Leeds home fixture vs Wolves is now a must-win
The season is still in the very early stages, but next Saturday’s clash with Wolves is already looking like an absolutely humongous fixture.
Leeds slipped to 15th after the Fulham defeat, having played more games than Manchester City, Burnley and Brentford below them. They could finish the weekend in the relegation places.
That’s not a place you ever want to be, but somewhere Wolves have yet to leave, as they are the only team in the Premier League without a point to their name after losing their opening four games.
Wolves did put in a spirited display vs Newcastle United as they lost 1-0, but there can be no excuses when Leeds travel to the Black Country. If they can’t defeat a relegation rival, then the signs are not looking good.
When asked about the game, Farke said: “Each and every away game will be tough.
“We need to show the same workload. I take each and every point away from home. It’s not like it will be easier because they have fewer points.”