Daniel Farke sends classy message to Newcastle United after Leeds United heartbreak
Daniel Farke showed his class despite watching his Leeds United side lose to Newcastle United in the 102nd minute.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke congratulated Newcastle United after their 4-3 win - admitting the seven-goal thriller was a brilliant advert for the Premier League.
Newcastle came from behind three times before Harvey Barnes netted a 102nd-minute winner to take the roof off St James’ Park.
Leeds went into half-time 2-1 up. Barnes cancelled out Brenden Aaronson’s opener but a penalty conceded by Malick Thiaw allowed Dominic Calvert-Lewin to put his side back ahead.
Thiaw was hooked at the break and Sandro Tonal was also withdrawn as Eddie Howe introduced Sven Botman and Tino Livramento. Nine minutes into the second-half and the Magpies levelled again as Joelinton headed home Bruno Guimaraes’ outside of the foot cross.
Fabian Schar was stretchered off with an ankle injury in the 76th minute. Less than three minutes later, Aaronson restored Leeds’ lead and that looked to be game over.
But Newcastle hit back again and this time found a winner. Lewis Hall’s cross was handled by Aaronson in the box and Guimaraes converted his spot-kick before Barnes made it 4-3.
Daniel Farke’s classy message to Newcastle United
Reflecting on the game, Farke said: “Heartbreaking. First of all, of course, congratulations to Newcastle. Many compliments, I would say, for both sides. A big advertisement also for the Premier League, I think it was a fantastic piece of football. Both sides have played this game in the manner this game should be played. Very passionate, very emotional, very attacking-minded, many, many good scenes. I think it was fantastic to watch.
“Of course, also a few mistakes on both sides, otherwise there wouldn’t so many goals. This is, I think, what both teams have to accept in terms of criticism. I have to say that I'm more than proud of the performance of my lads, and also the desire and the belief and the bravery that we showed here today against a side who is playing on a Champions League level and such a fantastic home team.
“I think it was an excellent first half from us. I think we fully deserved to be in the lead at half-time. There were perhaps five minutes when we were not that much on our top level, and a really good side like Newcastle is able to take advantage of this with a good goal. But we didn't stop, we showed a reaction, went in the lead just before half-time.
“Yes, Newcastle with their quality in the second half, although we had a good start into the second half, but it was a touch of quality. So, outside foot, cross, and Joelinton, I think, really difficult header and puts the ball exactly in this curve, in the only spot that is possible to score a goal. There's a reason why these players are well-valued and they are playing on a Champions League level, so out of more or less nothing they scored the goal.
“Again, we didn't show any fear and showed again a great reaction, went in deep again, had chances. When I think about JJ's header against the crossbar, the ball bounces on the line, jumps out, so it would have been impossible to score more goals.
“Yes, and then, of course, late heartbreak for my lads in the 90th or 91st minute, a handball given. The referee was very happy to give this situation without a split-second wait, and thinking about it, and of course, our own coach was asking for it and he was happy to give it really quick.
“Yeah, it's tough. For me, it's never in the sense of the game to give a handball for such a situation. Aaron has no intention to play the ball, no intention to make his body bigger, it was just hit by the ball out of two yards.
“Anyway, handball given, 3-3, and then the last ten minutes was a bit like a basketball game. Both teams were unstoppable, out of control, they both went for it, and of course if it's not a draw, one team was on the unlucky side and will be a bit accused of being smart in the game management, because we lost this game. Of course, you would have preferred to calm the game down a bit smarter.
“If you want to travel away from St James' Park with a proper result, you shouldn’t concede a late goal, and then you need also the last minute of the game to save from your goalkeeper. If he touches the ball, then he needs to save it in this moment.
“It was heartbreaking for the lads, it was not to be, at least Lucas was not able to save it, and for that we have to accept the defeat and congratulations to Newcastle.”