To be honest, the Leeds United supporters did not really need Daniel Farke to tell them how Manor Solomon was feeling during Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Queens Park Rangers.
As the Tottenham Hotspur loanee exited proceedings in the 84th minute – replaced by Largie Ramazani – Manor Solomon threw up his arms in frustration as he trudged miserably off the Loftus Road turf.
A show of dissent, perhaps, for a man who has played such a central role in Leeds United’s latest promotion push? Or was this simply emotion – and plenty of pent-up frustration – getting the better of a man who had been kept largely to the periphery by QPR’s backline?
Daniel Farke was certainly keen to avoid fuelling any narratives full-time.
The Leeds boss insisted that all was well in the dressing room. Disappointment, he feels, was only natural on an afternoon in which his attackers struggled with the exception of a lively half-time substitute Willy Gnonto.
Manor Solomon reacts after Leeds United suffer frustrating QPR setback
As Manor Solomon spoke out on social media, he too seemed like a man looking to put a potential flashpoint behind him at the earliest opportunity.
“Eight finals to go,” Solomon wrote on his official Instagram page.
While far from his best in West London, it was Solomon who helped get Leeds back into the game just before half-time. His cross was turned into his own net my Morgan Fox, despite Junior Firpo’s best attempts to get the final touch.
This was the second time in three days in which Solomon would be denied an assist. He didn’t get one when Jake Cooper deflected in the opener during the 2-0 midweek win at Millwall.
He remains stuck on seven assists, then, for the season.
Daniel Farke would explain his decision to swap Solomon for Ramazani, meanwhile, at full-time.
Leeds possess considerable strength in depth, particularly in the attacking areas. It’s not as if Farke subbed off Solomon for an extra defender, after all.
Daniel Farke plays down Solomon flashpoint
“Manor is always unhappy when he doesn’t play the full game. I quite like this attitude. Today, he created a lot,” Farke says before explaining Ramazani’s introduction.
“I was hoping for one lucky punch from Ramazani because he can play some magic. It was not to be today. Five mins after game, everyone calmed down. I have a great group.
“I hope the international players come back without injuries. It will allow some players closer to the team. [The international break] is beneficial for us to recharge.”
Brenden Aaronson failed to even get onto the pitch for the second 45.
There were audible cheers from the Leeds fans when Gnonto took Aaronson’s place. Another highly underwhelming performance capped by his dreadful error to gift QPR their opener.
“We showed resilience today and togetherness and found one or two more gears during the game. QPR are really good at home,” Farke begins. “[But I was] not happy with first 25 minutes.
“Brenden was disappointed [to be taken off]. He always puts a shift in.”
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