Thomas Christiansen recalled Felix Wiedwald to the Leeds United starting XI after being convinced he had “learned from his mistakes”.
The German goalkeeper was restored to the United team on Saturday and kept a clean sheet as they secured a 2-0 win against Barnsley at Oakwell.
Wiedwald had been given the nod ahead of Andy Lonergan following a change of heart from manager Christiansen.
“This was the game for (Wiedwald) to come in and it was a decision we spoke about through the week,” Christiansen said to the Yorkshire Evening Post. “We thought it was his moment. He’s performed well in training and he has learned from his mistakes. I thought he was ready for this.”
Lonergan had started Leeds’ previous seven league matches before the clash against Barnsley but he has paid the price for recent errors, including in the midweek 4-1 mauling by Wolves.
OPINION
Chopping and changing keepers is a recipe for inconsistency at the back. But Christiansen made the correct decision by restoring former Werder Bremen keeper Wiedwald to the starting XI in place of the more experienced Lonergan, who had delivered another shaky display against Wolves. Wiedwald had little to do against Barnsley, but he puts those in front of him under less pressure because he can offer far more effective distribution than the Englishman, and his reflexes are equally sharp. A big call by the manager, but the correct one. It has also not escaped notice that the defence have been far more impenetrable when Wiedwald mans the stick. Coincidence or not, that would have made up Christiansen’s mind for him.