Phil Hay details off-field Djed Spence concern at Leeds United before returning to Tottenham Hotspur
Djed Spence did not turn up to an off-field event he was expected to at Leeds United before he was sent back to Tottenham Hotspur.
According to the Athletic journalist Phil Hay on 13 January, his in-game performances and his tardiness at training sessions were all concerning to Daniel Farke.
While he appeared to be polite on the training ground, these were the issues the German had with him and thus decided not to continue with him for the rest of the season.
Hay wrote, “Sources with knowledge of the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity to protect relationships, said Farke’s prime concern with Spence had been his in-game performance levels.
“But there were other issues too: late arrivals for certain training sessions and team meetings, the failure to appear for an off-field event, raising red flags despite the fact that, day to day, Spence was polite and friendly around the training ground.”
Right call
The Whites made the correct decision in terminating Spence’s loan spell and sending him back to Spurs due to a combination of attitude and fitness concerns.
His late arrival for certain training sessions and team meetings, coupled with his failure to attend an off-field event, was unacceptable.
While the player demonstrated politeness and friendliness on the training ground, his off-field behaviour and inconsistency in meeting team commitments became significant issues and that’s not how things go at the highest level of the game.
Additionally, Spence’s apparent unavailability for a substantial portion of his loan spell due to fitness issues further undermined his value to the team.
At first, it seemed like a baffling call to send him back as he appeared to be finding his groove but now the decision makes sense.
Farke has set high standards and it’s down to the players to adhere to them.
In other Leeds United news, an international player linked with a move to Elland Road is unhappy at his current club and could be on his way out in the January transfer window.