Rodrigo rages for Leeds United vs Newcastle after Karl Robinson tells Sky Sports pundit he’d been ‘sulking’
Rodrigo was “furious” for Leeds United in the first half against Newcastle a week after his coaches felt he had been “sulking” at Manchester City.
The goalscorer in the 2-1 defeat at the Etihad last week had been left out of the starting line up by Sam Allardyce, and Karl Robinson told pundit Stephen Warnock the staff felt he’d been unhappy about it, before giving him the chance at Elland Road.
He was energetic and sharp in the opening exchanges but showed angry reactions to decisions multiple times, and was told he needed to “calm down” by Lucy Ward.
Speaking on the pre-match build up for NBC’s USA Network (13 May, 12.14pm) Sky Sports pundit Warnock said of the Spaniard: “I spoke to assistant manager Karl Robinson and they thought he was sulking a bit when he wasn’t playing at Manchester City.
“He came in later on in the second half, had an impact, scored a goal. He’s a player capable of changing a game and winning a game single handedly, we know that. It’s about a good start for him, making sure he does the early things well, simply, and builds his confidence. He could have a big impact.”
Then during the first half against Newcastle: “Rodrigo is furious about something. It’s not the first time we’ve seen that this half,” said Darren Fletcher live on BT Sport (1.06pm).
Pundit Lucy Ward added: “He needs to calm down”.
Response
Everyone wants to see passion from the Leeds United players with things in such dire straights but Rodrigo is possibly risking going too far.
It all looked to be working out in the Whites’ favour when they took an early lead through Luke Ayling, after Rodrigo’s nice header was barely kept out by Nick Pope.
But when Patrick Bamford missed a penalty and then Callum Wilson quickly converted one at the other end it became far more nervy.
What the coaching staff feel about Rodrigo’s first-half performance will be interesting as he appeared to be showing the sort of commitment to the cause they surely want.
But whether he is a risk if he is too ramped up is another matter, as he reacted to proceedings by angrily questioning referee Simon Hooper and the fourth official more than once.
On the pitch he has responded to being left out, but may need to maintain his composure in the second half.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has laid out up to £300million that the Whites are eyeing to save themselves.