Graham Smyth shares unseen moment that ‘did not amuse’ Wilfried Gnonto before Rotherham United v Leeds United
Journalist Graham Smyth has shared an off-the-camera moment involving Leeds United team-mates Ian Poveda and Wilfried Gnonto prior to the game with Rotherham United.
Both players were named among the substitutes at the New York Stadium on Friday (24 November) as Leeds were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw in the Championship.
Poveda and Gnonto were introduced at the same time in the second half, but the latter was not all that pleased with something his colleague did prior to kick-off.
Highlighting some unseen moments for the Yorkshire Evening Post [25 November], Hay said: “Poveda rainbow flicking the ball over the head of Willy Gnonto and collecting it on the other side of his fellow winger. A second attempt did not amuse Gnonto.”
Frustrated
Poveda was clearly full of energy before the match, and that goes a long way to explaining Daniel Farke’s slightly surprising decision to introduce him in the second half.
The 23-year-old was making just his sixth appearance of the Championship campaign, five of which have come as a substitute.
Gnonto would not have been in such a good mood, though, having once again been named on the bench upon Leeds’ return to action.
The Italy international, who tried to force through an exit in the summer, has been playing second fiddle for a number of weeks now.
On the basis of United’s underwhelming display against their Yorkshire rivals, it may well be that Gnonto is recalled to the starting line-up against Swansea City in midweek.
Either way, Leeds’ back-up players have to be ready to take their chance when it arrives, which was not exactly the case against Rotherham.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports pundit believes a Whites player will be “frustrated” by his treatment since joining.