Graham Smyth has shared an unseen moment that left Leeds United manager Daniel Farke “unhappy” during the defeat to Southampton
Leeds were beaten 3-1 at St Mary’s on Saturday [30 September] in a game in which they found themselves three goals down inside 35 minutes.
Southampton’s second goal came just after Leeds forward Crysencio Summerville returned to the field after receiving some treatment.
Summerville did not track back to cut out the ball to goalscorer Will Smallbone, but Farke felt he should have returned to the pitch sooner.
Picking out some “off-camera moments” for the Yorkshire Evening Post [2 October], Smyth said: “Farke unhappy about the length of time it took to get Summerville back onto the pitch after treatment.
“Still having a go at the fourth official in the immediate aftermath of the second goal.”
Farke’s frustration should surely be with Summerville, rather than the match officials.
The Dutchman was back on the field when Southampton were knocking the ball around inside their own half, but he slowly jogged back as it was worked forward down the opposite flank.
Had Summerville sprinted back towards his own area, he could easily have cut out the pass to Smallbone 15 yards from goal. That said, Leeds’ defenders also need to look at themselves.
But Summerville was guilty of not doing his defensive duties all afternoon and was taken off in the second half.
Farke will know the importance of all 11 players on the field pulling in the same direction, and that may be reflected in his team selection versus QPR.
Without a goal involvement in six outings, Summerville might be one of those to make way for that match at Elland Road on Wednesday [4 September].
In other Leeds United news, Smyth described the actions of a player at St Mary’s as “not a good look”.
