Joe Rodon furious with Leeds United team-mate after what he did at Hillsborough
Leeds United defender Joe Rodon was furious with midfielder Ilia Gruev at one point in the 2-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday, according to Graham Smyth.
Reporting on the game’s off-camera moments for the Yorkshire Evening Post (24 August), Smyth said Rodon was seen “furiously directing” Gruev to push forward with the Whites on the attack.
Gruev responded in turn, making it clear to the Welsh defender “just as strongly” that he was exactly where he needed to be as Daniel Farke’s side won their first match of the season at Hillsborough.
Joe Rodon and Ilia Gruev key to Leeds United promotion hopes
Picking up their first three points of the campaign with a composed showing against Sheffield Wednesday, Rodon’s outburst at Gruev was perhaps the only blemish on the performance for United.
Defensive midfielder Gruev and centre-back Rodon have now helped the Whites to consecutive clean sheets in the Championship, and that will need to continue for Farke’s side to build up a head of steam.
With the loan signing of Joe Rothwell in July and Farke stating that he does want another central midfielder before the transfer window shuts, Gruev in particular will be under pressure to perform.
As part of a double pivot alongside club captain Ethan Ampadu, Gruev would likely be the man withdrawn if Rothwell or a new signing does enough to earn their starting place in the coming weeks.
Rodon, a £10million signing from Tottenham himself this summer, looks much more assured of a place in the XI but will need to make sure he and Gruev are on song for United’s defensive unit to remain solid.
In other Leeds news, Simon Jordan believes Daniel Farke is right to publicly address the club’s lack of signings this summer.
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