Daniel Farke admitted Leeds were “heartbroken” after throwing away victory in their 2-2 Championship draw at home to Swansea – but admitted he was still confident of reaching the Premier League.
Swansea substitute Zan Vipotnik scored a dramatic equaliser in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage-time to deny Farke’s men a return to the Championship summit.
The Slovenia international’s strike left Elland Road stunned, and Farke said: “It’s a heartbreaking moment if you concede in this manner but it’s football.
“If you want to take part in sport, you can’t expect the sun to always be shining.
“We’ve had great winners in the last minute and the opponent had to suffer the disappointment we had today – Sunderland and Sheffield United felt exactly the disappointment we do.
“You have to suffer a little bit, that’s normal, but then we go again.”
With seven games remaining, Leeds are two points adrift of leaders Sheffield United but ahead of third-placed Burnley on points difference.
Automatic promotion is still in Leeds’ hands and Farke added: “We are still in the situation that if we win our last games, we will finish in the top two.
“That’s due to the fact they (Sheffield United and Burnley) still have to play each other but there’s never a guarantee of success.
“Right now it’s the final step which is always the most difficult.
“I was in this situation before and I know how tricky it is but I know how difficult it is to bring it over the line.
“If you ask me right now, I’m 100 per cent convinced we will play in the Premier League next season.”
Farke was also forced to defend Illan Meslier after the Leeds goalkeeper made an awful error in gifting Swansea their first equaliser.
United States midfielder Brenden Aaronson put Leeds ahead from close range inside just 35 seconds before Meslier saved a 13th-minute penalty from Josh Tymon.
But after Meslier dropped the ball from Tymon’s corner in the 64th minute, Swansea’s Harry Darling was on hand to fire home and make it 1-1.
Willy Gnonto struck a fiercely-struck shot which flew into the net to put Leeds 2-1 ahead but the visitors kept probing and were rewarded late on when Vipotnik latched onto Joe Allen’s pass and fired low past Meslier at the death.
Farke said of his French goalkeeper: “I’m far away from punishing a player because we win together, lose together and draw together.
“After such a game and such a heartbreaking finish, they don’t need a manager who puts the result on the shoulder of players.”
Caretaker Swansea boss Alan Sheehan believed his side were worth a share of the spoils, saying: “A point is the least we deserved – we were tactically excellent.
“We had a nightmare start and went 1-0 down but we kept going and it was a high-quality pass for the equaliser late on.
“Leeds are one of the best teams in the league – if not the best – and it’s the toughest ground to go to.
“But Joe Allen played that pass into Vipotnik and it was wonderful to see the two substitutes combine.
“To come here and get a point shows the belief and the togetherness that we have right now.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...

Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...

Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...

Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...

WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...

Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...

Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...

Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...

Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...

Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...



- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Liverpool join race to sign attacker Jeremy Monga