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Daniel Farke says he does not want James Trafford to change his style of play despite his horror pass that led to Bournemouth’s opener in Leeds United’s 2-0 defeat on Saturday.
Trafford has made passing errors in the past - notably while playing for Manchester City against Tottenham Hotspur last season - and his wayward ball to Patrick Kluivert on Saturday allowed him to tee up Evanilson to put Bournemouth ahead on 31 minutes.
Quizzed about Trafford after full-time, Farke said: “We don't even have to speak about it. James is a terrific young goalkeeper. He was outstanding season for us so far, he has saved us points.
"He will save us points. It's the life of a football player that the sun is not always shining, and even especially in the life of a young goalkeeper.
OPINION
“On a difficult day, then the mistake can be costly. Overall, I'm pretty sure he will save us way more points than he perhaps has cost us today. But in general, also like we win together, we lose together. We're all happy to have him. For me, he's still still top class. It has all my trust and all my love.
“My recommendation is he shouldn't watch the game back or the scene back. Makes no sense.
"Sometimes it's a bit annoying, and you know, football can have annoying days and it was one of those days for him. He won't dwell on that.”
James Trafford of Leeds United concedes a goal and consoles Ao Tanaka(Image: 2026 MB Media)
Trafford has exuded confidence since his arrival at Leeds, Farke often speaking of his “aura”. His fearless nature sees him play risky short-balls that invite the press in order to help Leeds bypass the opposition and work the ball up field more quickly.
Asked whether Trafford needs to rein in his short-ball passing, Farke said he would rather he keep playing his game.
He added: “This was definitely a scene that he normally spots better and sees it on to play. It's sometimes hard to explain but in general it's also important that he has the skills to bypass because if we end up just putting the ball always, in a compact set-up, long ball we also lose many second balls.
“Normally it's one of our strengths to find good solutions, and he plays a big part in this. Yes, today of course was a wrong decision in this moment because when he tried to play the ball into Ao Tanaka, it was not on to play it. He should have spotted and read the situation better.
“But yeah, it happens, and you know we all have sometimes a poorer day, and for that, no criticism. He shouldn't change his game.
“He shouldn't change too much just after a mistake, because then he also takes away many strengths of his game. And for that, yeah, it's tough to deal with it today, of course. But no complaints in general.”