Leeds United: First-choice goalkeeper Wiedwald defends his corner

Leeds United goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald has defended himself against criticism of his performances, insisting players in his position are 'always up and down'. Wiedwald claimed he was unaffected by negative attention on him and growing in confidence after an influential display against Norwich City last Saturday.

GoalKeeper Felix Wiedwald. PIC: James Hardisty

The German pulled off two important second-half saves to help Leeds claim a 1-0 win at Elland Road, a week on from a bad error which left United under pressure towards the end of a 3-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers.

Despite a run of six clean sheets early in the season, he was dropped by head coach Thomas Christiansen in October as United’s boss reacted to a dip in form.

Wiedwald reclaimed his place from Andy Lonergan seven games later but his influence sparked a debate about whether Leeds should target a new keeper in January.

Leeds United head coach Thomas Christiansen. PIC: Jonathan Gawthorpe

The 27-year-old brushed off questions over his suitability, saying: “I don’t really read the newspapers. Last week I made a big mistake but in the last game I did very well with the saves. This is the job of a goalkeeper. It’s always up and down.

“If I was a striker and three times I miss the target and then I hit the target one time, I’m the hero. If a goalkeeper makes a mistake it’s always a goal.”