Illan Meslier was almost in tears after his error cost Leeds United against Sunderland on Friday (4 October), Mark Schwarzer has said.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live (5 October, 12:06), the former goalkeeper mentioned an article he had read stating that United’s number one was distraught after his 97th-minute howler in their 2-2 draw.
Meslier allowed an aimless ball forward to bounce past him and into the net, surrendering a victory and leaving the Whites in disbelief, but Schwarzer was full of sympathy.
Schwarzer said: “I am [feeling sorry for him]. I can relate to it – been there, done that.
“It’s heartbreaking. I read an article about the fact that after the game he was obviously devastated; he was almost in tears in the dressing room. It’s hard and you’ve got to pick yourself up from it.
“I think he slightly takes his eye off the ball, and thinks it’s too easy – pick it up on the run and settle the game down – and unfortunately he gets it horribly wrong.”
Daniel Farke faces crucial Illan Meslier decision at Leeds United
Farke’s gameplan at the Stadium of Light looked to have worked perfectly as the Peacocks closed in on a 2-1 victory, only for Meslier’s mind-blowing error to undo all of their good work.
Players such as Wilfried Gnonto – who set up both of United’s goals – and Junior Firpo, who was credited with the own-goal for Sunderland’s equaliser, will in particular be as crestfallen as Meslier.
Firpo was spotted storming straight down the tunnel at full-time, reflecting his thoughts on the two dropped points, but the mentality in Leeds’ dressing room now has to be one of unity and perseverance.
Meslier will certainly be keen to put his error behind him, but with an international break on the horizon and confidence to re-build, it remains to be seen how long this process will take.
The Frenchman has huge question marks hanging over him, with Karl Darlow waiting in the wings, and it could be some time before Leeds’ defenders and fans alike are ready to trust their number one again.
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