“I’ve not experienced something like this in 30 years of professional football, It’s heartbreaking and horrendous, it feels like a bit like a loss”- Daniel Farke shares honest feelings about Illan Meslier’s costly mistake for Leeds against Sunderland

Leeds United were just seconds away from clinching an impressive road victory against Sunderland and heading into the FIFA international break with three wins in their last four matches. Unfortunately, a costly mistake prevented that from happening and allowed Sunderland to equalize.

The match didn’t get off to a great start for Leeds, as Chris Rigg scored for the home side in the ninth minute. However, the Whites bounced back when Joël Piroe found the net in the 22nd minute.

Both teams went into halftime tied at 1-1. Early in the second half, Junior Firpo put Leeds ahead with a goal in the 56th minute, looking like it would be the game-winner. But in the dying seconds of stoppage time, Illan Meslier made a critical error that allowed the Black Cats to level the score.

Alan Browne’s cross deflected off Junior Firpo’s head, and as Meslier attempted to gather the ball, it slipped through his fingers and rolled into the net, handing Sunderland a valuable point.

Leeds manager Daniel Farke spoke to the media postgame after the surprising draw. The German tactician tried to describe the situation, but he was left puzzled because it was a circumstance the gaffer had never experienced while involved in football.

“I’ve worked for 30 years in professional football, I’ve won and lost many points in the last seconds – lucky and unlucky – but to be honest something like this I’ve not experienced in 30 years of professional football,” Farke said (h/t The Irish News).

“To lose those points in this way is heartbreaking, is horrendous, is so sad and disappointing for our lads. I feel for my lads because, to this moment, they’ve done more or less everything right after such a difficult time.

“To lose two points in the last moment of the game in this way is heart-breaking and tough to take, it feels like a bit like a loss. Before the game I would have said away to Sunderland is a good result.”

Leeds will feel frustrated with their recent result, particularly with dropping points just as the FIFA international break begins. With the team currently facing an injury crisis, many fans will likely be anxious as players head off to join their national squads.