Willy Gnonto admits Leeds United have plenty of room for improvement after 2-1 win v Elche
Willy Gnonto believes Leeds United have “a lot to work on” over the remainder of the World Cup break after they laboured to a 2-1 victory against Elche in a training camp friendly.
Jesse Marsch’s side were utterly dominated during the opening exchanges in Spain and were lucky to escape with a win against an Elche side marooned at the bottom of La Liga.
A nicely worked opening goal finished by Joe Gelhardt and a spectacular winner by Mateusz Klich helped to spare Marsch’s blushes following a dire opening 45 minutes.
Speaking to LUTV, the 19-year-old forward admitted the side would have to improve dramatically before they take on Premier League leader Manchester City on December 28.
He said: “Of course it was a difficult game, we just tried to do our best and we are happy with the win. It has been really hard, but really funny also I can say.
“We have two or three weeks until the first game so we just try to improve a lot, we know we have a lot to work on and we will try to do it to be ready for the first game.”
Worrying signs
The first half was quite simply an excruciating watch for fans, with The Whites too easily cut apart by a pretty average Elche side.
Endless balls over the top were hit by the La Liga side, and every time Leeds found themselves in the same situation. It was certainly worrying and something that will need addressing over the coming weeks – especially with Manchester City awaiting in the league.
An apparent injury to Crysencio Summerville is also a hammer blow to Marsch after the youngster limped off in the early stages of the first half.
However, there were a few bright points for Leeds, with Jack Harrison in particular, looking lively.
After a disappointing start to the Premier League season, the Englishman proved himself one of the brighter attacking prospects during the match, holding his width on the left flank and providing the crucial pass to Sam Greenwood to assist Joe Gelhardt’s opener.
In other Leeds United news, Jesse Marsch shares his honest verdict on exit-bound defender Cody Drameh.