Daniel Farke’s Bold Selection Decisions Under Scrutiny After Leeds’ Late Drama Against Blackburn

Daniel Farke’s team selection was once again under the spotlight on Saturday afternoon, as Leeds United managed only a dramatic 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers at Elland Road. Facing John Eustace, a manager who has bested him in their last three meetings, Farke made several surprising decisions that left fans, pundits, and even players questioning his choices.

Leeds, majestic at Elland Road throughout the 2024/25 season, were expected to assert dominance against Blackburn. However, Farke’s tactical gambles, including benching captain Ethan Ampadu and substituting a visibly frustrated Manor Solomon, nearly cost the team a crucial three points.

The Decision to Drop Ethan Ampadu

One of the most contentious decisions was Farke’s choice to leave Ethan Ampadu out of the starting lineup. Ampadu, who has been instrumental in Leeds’ midfield, was replaced by Joe Rothwell. The decision, Farke explained post-match, was influenced by concerns from the club’s sports scientists.

“He was out for two and a half months, then had four games in the starting lineup in a row,” Farke said. “A few red flags from sports scientists showed that his recovery status wasn’t OK. We can’t afford to lose him for another eight weeks, so we’re being careful. We have good options.”

Despite the reasoning, Leeds lacked cohesion in midfield without Ampadu, and it wasn’t long before Farke was forced to bring him on in the second half after Jayden Bogle sustained an injury. Ampadu’s presence immediately lifted the team, highlighting his importance to Farke’s setup.

Manor Solomon’s Angry Exit

Another talking point was Farke’s decision to substitute Manor Solomon. The winger, who had been one of Leeds’ brightest players during the match, was visibly upset as he left the field, throwing his gloves into the dugout in frustration. Tony Dorigo, covering the game for LUTV, shared the fans’ shock at the substitution.

Farke, however, defended the move, citing the need to manage workloads and maintain balance in the squad. “We have to think about the long-term picture,” Farke said.

A Rollercoaster Finish

The match itself was a tense affair. Leeds appeared to have clinched the victory when Pascal Struijk converted a late penalty after Mateo Joseph was brought down in the box. The Elland Road faithful erupted, sensing yet another home triumph.

But Blackburn, resilient under Eustace, responded immediately. From a corner, Danny Batth rose highest to nod the ball into the net, silencing the crowd and securing a dramatic equalizer.

Looking Ahead

While the draw extended Leeds’ unbeaten home record, it also left fans frustrated at what could have been a decisive win. Many questioned why Farke didn’t rest Ampadu in the previous match against Derby County, a less challenging opponent, rather than against a team and manager who have consistently troubled him.

Despite the disappointment, there are positives. Ampadu emerged from the game unscathed and should be ready to start against Hull City next weekend. Additionally, Jayden Bogle and Sam Byram are expected to be available for selection, bolstering Leeds’ defensive options.

Farke’s decisions may have raised eyebrows, but his cautious approach with key players like Ampadu could pay off in the long term as Leeds continue their push for promotion. However, with expectations high, the pressure is mounting on the German to get his selections right in the crucial weeks ahead.