Sport nationLeeds United’s Dramatic 4-3 Win at Swansea City Inspired by Fringe Player’s Speech
Leeds United’s thrilling 4-3 victory over Swansea City on Saturday was inspired by an impassioned speech from fringe player Josuha Guilavogui, according to manager Daniel Farke.
The win propelled Leeds to the top of the Championship table, albeit on goal difference, and Farke was keen to downplay the significance of the achievement. “With my former club (Norwich City) I twice finished the league in top spot and if I’m honest I’m also just happy when I’m in position one,” he said.
Farke acknowledged that being top of the table was a welcome boost for the club and its supporters, but emphasized that the focus should remain on accumulating points rather than celebrating a fleeting table-topping position. “I know that it’s not important, more important is the points tally at the moment because this league is a marathon and it doesn’t mean anything that we are top of the league – just by goal difference, by the way.”
Instead, Farke credited Guilavogui’s pre-match speech for inspiring the team to victory. “The lads were highly motivated to get another away win because we had an excellent away record in the beginning of the season but the last away games were good performances but not that great in terms of points,” said Farke.
“Before the game Josh Guilagoui – an unbelievable lad – gave a speech to make sure everyone was really on it and he spoke about the importance of winning an away game. It tells you a lot if a new incoming who’s just been with us a few weeks and has never had a game in the starting line-up took the responsibility to be there with a little speech to inspire the lads.”
The victory was sealed by Willy Gnonto’s winner in the 91st minute, after Swansea City had equalized in the 90th minute through Florian Bianchini. Farke’s side had taken the lead through Manor Solomon’s brace, with Ben Cabango’s own goal adding to the visitors’ tally.
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