Daniel Farke, the manager of Leeds United, jumped to the defense of Junior Firpo, his full-back, during a trying night against Sheffield Wednesday. The Dominican Republic international received some backlash on the internet for his poor performance, which included at least four first-half mistakes that gave the home team excellent opportunities at Hilsborough, where Leeds won 2-0.
It was not Firpo’s best night in a Leeds shirt, but like his team, he did improve after halftime after providing a fantastic assist for the first goal late in the first half. Farke acknowledged that Leeds wouldn’t be able to afford Firpo if he had it all in both offense and defense, pointing to the player’s offensive prowess.
“Yes, Junior’s an attacking minded full-back and he suits our game that much because he can join the attack,” explained Farke. “He’s been great in the recent weeks. Yes, defending, he can be more switched on, but also once we were not there in perfect positioning.
“He created so many opportunities and is a menace while in possession. We could not afford him if he was able to accomplish both at the highest level. I’m glad he was able to demonstrate his many strengths.”
Patrick Bamford opened the score to send the visitors into halftime with their tails up and sap the confidence that had grown in the hosts and throughout Hillsborough, capping off a difficult and frequently subpar first half. That became clear in the second half as Leeds capitalized on mistakes that the Owls made, with Wilfried Gnonto extending his team’s lead.
Leeds returned to second in the Championship standings, for now at least, with all eye son how Leicester City get on at promotion-chasing Hull City on Saturday afternoon, with Ipswich Town in the early lunchtime kick-off when travelling to Cardiff City.
