Daniel Farke was correct, according to Carlton Palmer, in making a “unfortunate” transfer decision involving two Leeds United players.
According to the Athletic, Whites manager Phil Parkinson has decided that fringe players Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt will not be allowed to leave Elland Road on loan during the January transfer window.
Despite the struggles of centre-back Cresswell and forward Gelhardt to break into the squad, ex-Leeds midfielder Palmer believes Farke will need his full squad to cover for injuries and suspensions.
“It’s been reported that Leeds United manager Daniel Farke will not entertain any loan offers for Charlie Cresswell and Joe Gelhardt,” he told Football League World on December 22.
“Daniel’s decision does not surprise me. Of course, he wants both players to get game time and continue to improve and learn, but promotion for Leeds United back to the Premier League is his top priority.
“As the season enters the second half, they are currently third in the Championship, 10 points off an automatic place.”
“They will want to see if they can overtake Leicester or Ipswich, and he knows that these two players are capable of operating at Championship level, and as a manager, you can’t legislate for any injuries that may occur.”
“So he has to put the club’s best interests before the players which is unfortunate at this stage for both players.”
Understandable
Before the first ball was kicked this season, most Leeds fans would have expected both Gelhardt and Cresswell to play a significant role in the Championship campaign, especially given Cresswell’s extensive loan spell at Millwall last season.
But, in reality, the team has performed so well this season that chances to break into the squad, let alone the starting XI, have been few and far between.
So it creates a quandary because you don’t want two dissatisfied players in the squad, especially when both players believe they could be regular starters at the majority of Championship clubs.
Unfortunately, Farke is unconcerned about this. The German wants Leeds to push their way into the top two, and in a long, brutal Championship season, you need to make sure you have a squad that can compete and cover for injuries.
It’s difficult for Gelhardt and Cresswell, but letting them go now would be the wrong decision.
