Leeds figures in contact with Ao Tanaka after heartbreak - next steps now known
Leeds United figures have been in contact with Ao Tanaka after a heartbreaking World Cup exit with Japan.
The midfielder came off the bench in his nation's World Cup last-32 defeat to Brazil and had a nightmare 12 minutes that he may never forget.
Tanaka made an error for the goal that sent his country crashing out of the competition, as Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli pounced to give Brazil the win deep into stoppage time.
Unsurprisingly, the Leeds man was distraught and had to be consoled by his fellow destroyed teammates and coaches.
The 27-year-old faced struggles at Elland Road last season and was in and out of Daniel Farke's starting eleven.
However, Leeds have taken the initiative to help Tanaka through what will be a tough time for him right now.
Leeds figures reach out to help Ao Tanaka
Tanaka had thoughts about leaving Leeds ahead of the winter window opening, but later admitted that he wanted to stay with the club.
It wasn't the first time that the Japanese star had the idea of leaving the Whites, and both times it's been a matter of game time.
According to an article from The Athletic on Friday, Leeds staff reached out to Tanaka shortly after his costly mistake.
Coaches have been in touch, but the club is also said to have dedicated liaison staff for moments like this with players.
Tanaka returned to Tokyo with Japan on Thursday, and is now set for a three-week break before returning for pre-season.
His Leeds teammates have been offered advice on how to help him through this tough period.
Ex-Elland Road boss says Leeds players will have already helped Tanaka
It's not the first time that Leeds have acted in such a way, as the club reached out to Dan James after he missed a decisive penalty for Wales in their quest for Euro 2024 qualification.
Former Leeds manager Simon Grayson believes that Tanaka's teammates will be sure to help him through this moment.
Grayson said, as quoted by The Athletic: "Maybe the next day, pick up the phone to him, have a one-to-one conversation, where he just wants some comfort.
"The Leeds lads will have been on to him straight away and almost done the job for Daniel."
Tanaka posted an emotional message on Instagram following Japan's defeat, admitting he will take all the blame for the loss
But the truth is, Japan would arguably never have gotten into the knockout stage without his help, let alone the World Cup in itself.
What is clear is that Leeds clearly care about the player's wellbeing, and the next steps now are to integrate him back into the side in three weeks' time.