Daniel Farke in ‘psychological win’ over Willy Gnonto after what Leeds United striker said to him
Phil Hay believes Leeds United boss Daniel Farke landed a “psychological win” as a result of Willy Gnonto apologising for his recent behaviour.
Farke revealed in the build-up to Leeds’ 4-3 win over Ipswich Town that Gnonto had said sorry for refusing to play in the Whites’ previous three fixtures.
The Italian was integrated back into the side for the gripping win at Portman Road on Saturday [26 August] and was back on the scoresheet.
In his opinion piece on the game for The Athletic [27 August], Hay praised Farke for the way he dealt with the situation.
“He played Gnonto’s situation perfectly and stopped it becoming an all-out shambles,” Hay said.
“He has let Leeds get their ducks in a row in the transfer market without throwing toys out the pram.
“That Gnonto said sorry to him, as opposed to merely trying to talk his way out of trouble, was a psychological win for Farke, a tangible sign of a player deciding where the power at Thorp Arch lies.”
In control
Farke – and indeed Leeds as a whole – made clear early on that Gnonto would not get his wish of leaving the club amid interest from Everton.
The West Yorkshire side stayed true to their word by rejecting multiple bids from Everton, at which point Gnonto decided to go on strike.
But the 19-year-old took the first step towards winning back the love of Leeds supporters with his goal against Ipswich.
Farke was thrown in at the deep end upon taking over at United, with the Gnonto saga one of just a number of issues he has had to deal with.
The German, who has promotion-winning experience, deserves huge praise for the way he has gone about his business.
It appears to have paid off, too, as not only are Gnonto and fellow wantaway player Luis Sinisterra now seemingly set to stay at Elland Road, Leeds have also brought in prolific striker Joel Piroe.
Should they land another of their targets before the transfer window closes, Farke will no doubt feel confident of mounting a promotion push in his first campaign at the helm.
That certainly did not look likely this time last week.
In other Leeds United news, Hay has provided an update on the injury sustained by Sam Byram.