To be honest, Leeds United supporters didn’t really need Daniel Farke to explain how Manor Solomon was feeling during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Queens Park Rangers.
As the Tottenham Hotspur loanee left the pitch in the 84th minute, replaced by Largie Ramazani, Solomon threw up his arms in frustration and walked off the Loftus Road turf looking dejected.
Was this a sign of discontent from a player who has been central to Leeds’ promotion push, or just raw emotion and frustration from a man who had been largely ineffective against QPR’s defense?
Daniel Farke certainly seemed eager to avoid fueling any speculation after the game.
The Leeds manager insisted that everything was fine in the dressing room. He explained that the disappointment was only natural after a match in which his attackers, with the exception of the energetic Willy Gnonto who came on at halftime, struggled.
Manor Solomon reacts after Leeds United’s frustrating draw at QPR
On social media, Solomon seemed eager to move on from the moment quickly.
“Eight finals to go,” Solomon wrote on his Instagram.
Though far from his best in West London, it was Solomon who played a key part in Leeds’ equalizer just before halftime, with his cross deflected into his own net by Morgan Fox, despite Junior Firpo’s efforts to get the final touch.
This marked the second time in three days that Solomon had been denied an assist. He was also unlucky when Jake Cooper’s deflection resulted in the opener during the 2-0 win at Millwall earlier in the week.
Solomon remains stuck on seven assists for the season.
Farke later addressed his decision to substitute Solomon for Ramazani at full-time.
Leeds have significant depth, particularly in attack, so it wasn’t as if Farke was replacing Solomon with a defensive player.
Farke downplays Solomon’s frustration
“Manor is always unhappy when he doesn’t play the full game, and I like that attitude. Today, he created a lot,” Farke said, before explaining why he brought on Ramazani.
“I was hoping for a bit of magic from Ramazani, but it wasn’t to be. Five minutes after the game, everyone calmed down. I have a great group.”
Farke also expressed hope that his international players would return without injuries, allowing some players to push for a spot in the team. He sees the international break as a chance to recharge.
Brenden Aaronson didn’t feature in the second half, with audible cheers from Leeds fans when Gnonto replaced him. Aaronson’s lackluster performance, highlighted by the costly error that led to QPR’s opening goal, had been underwhelming.
“We showed resilience and togetherness today, finding another gear during the game. QPR are strong at home,” Farke said. “But I wasn’t happy with the first 25 minutes. Brenden was disappointed to be taken off. He always gives his best.”
Manor Solomon issues four-word message after being spotted fuming at Daniel Farke in Leeds United draw
