Tribal Football

Daniel Farke explains decision to bench red hot Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Liverpool draw

Daniel Farke explains decision to bench red hot Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Liverpool draw
Daniel Farke explains decision to bench red hot Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Liverpool drawPaul Currie / Shutterstock Editorial / Profimedia

Leeds manager Daniel Farke has explained the seemingly bizarre decision to bench in-form striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin in their 0-0 Premier League draw on Thursday (January 1).

Calvert-Lewin, 28, became the first player in Leeds’ Premier League history to score in six straight games with a goal in their 1-1 draw with Sunderland.

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Despite his incredible form, Farke decided to leave the striker on the bench for the West Yorkshire club’s trip to Anfield on New Year’s Day.

The striker had the ball in the back of the net late on, but his finish was ruled out for offside.

Speaking to the BBC after the game, Farke explained the decision, insisting that sometimes he needs to listen to his head over his heart.

"Sometimes the head has to win over the heart. We had four Premier League fixtures in 10 days and I have to trust my whole squad,” he said.

"We know what happened to Dominic in the last few years with injuries. Overall it was a sign of how much I trust the group."