Daniel Farke needs ‘committed’ players to return Leeds United to the Premier League
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has emphasised his desire to have a squad of players who are committed to succeeding at Elland Road this season amid speculation about Wilfried Gnonto’s future.
The Italian winger has agreed to a five-year contract with Everton [Fabrizio Romano] on Thursday (10 August) having asked to be left out of Farke’s side for the Carabao Cup clash with Shrewsbury on Wednesday (9 August).
Naturally, the 19-year-old’s absence from the squad caused speculation about his future and while Farke avoided being drawn into discussing a potential sale of Gnonto, he did emphasise the need for committed players in his ranks.
The Official Leeds United Twitter account posted a graphic just before Romano’s report, quoting the German manager saying: “I want players who are fully committed. We are not like the other clubs, we are Leeds United, we are special and unique.
“All the players on the pitch for us, give their all to defend the white shirt.”
The timing of the post can’t be proven to be because of the impending news around Gnonto, but it doesn’t take a genius to draw the connection between the two and the replies to the tweet emphasises the united front that Farke has begun to create at Elland Road.
There weren’t many who were doubting the German’s credentials when he was announced as the man to hopefully direct Leeds back to the Premier League, but he is quickly winning over the fanbase with his understanding of the Leeds United fanbase.
Team united
The Championship is one of the most brutal divisions in world football, with 46 games just in the regular season before cup competitions and potential play-off matches are considered and to have success in England’s second tier, everyone needs to be pulling in the same direction.
Gnonto is undoubtedly one of the best players in the Leeds United squad and had been tipped by some pundits to be one of the best players in the Championship this season, but if he doesn’t want to play for Leeds United, he won’t be given the privilege by Farke.
Leeds have plenty of options in the wide areas and money at their disposal to add more quality if they deem it necessary and they also have players who are desperate to prove their worth at Elland Road such as Dan James. Gnonto seems to be focused on Goodison Park already.
If the Whites were to miss out on promotion, you can guarantee some fans will suggest Gnonto was that player capable of making a difference, but at the moment unless he’s pushed onto the pitch and stapled to the Leeds teamsheet, he doesn’t want to be able to make that difference.
It could well be a case that Leeds are better off without him, should his head already be turned.
In other Leeds United news, one Leeds chief has been named in a civil lawsuit this week