Exclusive:Leeds United boss Daniel Farke's decision to drop Lucas Perri for Karl Darlow vindicated, says ex-goalkeeper
Daniel Farke’s decision to replace Lucas Perri with Karl Darlow between the Leeds United sticks has been vindicated, believes ex-Whites goalkeeper Paddy Kenny.
A reported £15.6m was forked out to prise Perri from Lyon in the summer, but it has not quite worked out as planned thus far.
The Brazilian was dropped from the number one spot earlier this month, paying the price for a costly blunder against Newcastle United.
He has been usurped by experienced deputy Darlow, who has been solid in recent league meetings with Fulham and Everton.
Paddy Kenny’s verdict
Speaking to The Yorkshire Post via Oddspedia, who provide a review of free bets in the UK, Kenny said: “Obviously, the results they've been getting recently have been really good. I think Monday night again showed it.
“He made a great save when they came inside and hit it with the outside of the foot. Sometimes, you've got to make these tough decisions. But I think that this moment in time, he's proven it's the right decision.”
Farke faced pressure to drop Illan Meslier for large portions of the 2024/25 campaign but refused to yield until the latter stages. This term, however, Leeds’ manager has taken decisive action.
Kenny, who made 81 appearances for Leeds between 2012 and 2014, said: "Maybe he's got more confidence in Darlow than he did last season. That can make a big difference.
“He might not have been 100 per cent confident last year in making that change, whereas this season he's got no doubts. As soon as a few mistakes have been made, he's made the big decision and put Darlow in. It's been a good decision.”
Potential benefit for Lucas Perri
Perri was not signed to be an understudy but is now the position of pushing for a recall rather than fending of competition.
Kenny said: "Football's a tough game and things can soon change in a week or two. What's to say Darlow is going to keep doing what he does? He might get injured, he might drop form, he might start letting a few bad goals in.