Daniel Farke hails hard-fought clean sheet as Leeds draw against Liverpool
Leeds kept their first clean sheet since August during the 0-0 draw
Leeds United delivered a disciplined performance to secure a goalless draw against Liverpool at Anfield, earning praise from their manager Daniel Farke.
The result marked Liverpool’s first scoreless draw since December 2023, while Leeds kept their first clean sheet since August during the intense Premier League clash.
Leeds defended resolutely against a Liverpool side which dominated possession and attempted to break down their low block. Speaking after the match, Farke commended his team's balanced and determined display:
“It was always clear that we would need a special performance to travel away with a point," Farke said.
"It was clear there would be several periods where we had to suffer, but we didn’t allow them clear-cut chances.
“We needed a really balanced performance to return with a hard-fought point, but we really deserved a clean sheet, which is good for the mood and also for the confidence. Certainly a really good day."
Despite earning the point, there was disappointment for Leeds as captain Ethan Ampadu received a yellow card during the match, ruling him out of their upcoming fixture against Manchester United on Sunday.
Farke commented on the suspension: “I have to calm myself down because I am still struggling to accept that.”
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was left frustrated by his side’s inability to break through Leeds’ defence, admitting that they struggled against their well-organised opponents.
“We are the team that has the most ball possession, but ball possession means not a lot if you cannot create enough chances,” Slot said.
The Dutchman also reflected on a moment in the first half, where forward Hugo Ekitike stayed on his feet despite contact from Leeds’ Pascal Struijk, missing an opportunity to win a penalty.
“No it wasn’t a penalty because he stayed on his feet. If he had fallen down it would probably have been a penalty, but this season so many times when we were fouled we did not get a penalty," Slot said.
Although his team kept trying to break down Leeds’ defence, Slot admitted they fell short against their opponents, who delivered a resolute performance.
The result provides a boost for Leeds ahead of the visit of Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday.