Daniel Farke was spot on, he had to ‘disappoint’ Leeds United ace Jaidon Anthony
The life of a football manager is never easy and every now and again a decision made will upset someone, something Daniel Farke had to contend with prior to Leeds United versus Bristol City on Friday (2 February).
With regular starter Dan James unavailable due to an adductor injury, there was a solution that needed to be found on the right-hand side of Leeds’ attack for the fixture against the Robins at Ashton Gate.
One player who might have thought he had done enough to start the Championship clash is on-loan Bournemouth winger Jaidon Anthony, who just six days earlier had scored as Leeds drew 1-1 with Plymouth Argyle in the FA Cup fourth round.
But, instead, Whites boss Farke opted to name Willy Gnonto in his XI for only his eighth start of what has been an undoubtedly up-and-down season, which started with reports he had handed in a transfer request to exit Elland Road.
Now, it looks like Gnonto could actually sign a new contract at Leeds and his excellent winner against the Robins, which can hopefully spark a run of form, very much vindicated Farke’s decision – even if it was tough on Anthony.
In quotes reported by LeedsLive on Monday (5 February), the Leeds boss said: “It was not the easiest decision as Jaidon had been impressive and it was a tight call.
“We like Jaidon a lot coming off the left wing, on the right wing he can’t do that as much and Willie is a bit more straightforward. Willie is working hard and we wanted to show that we back him and trust him, to give him a chance to come into his rhythm.
“It was a tight call and was difficult to disappoint Jaidon as he probably expected to be in the line-up, but it was not against Jaidon, it was a gut feeling Willie would deliver.”
Daniel Farke spoilt for choice on the Leeds United wings
The difficulty for Farke is that he has an abundance of options out wide, all of who are excellent footballers.
The form of Crysencio Summerville this term has meant that the left-wing position has been locked in, while James – when fit – has been excellent for Leeds this term.
Gnonto showed his undoubted talent with an excellent run and finish that secured the three points – crucial ones at that in an extraordinary battle with Southampton and Ipswich Town for automatic promotion (Leicester City’s ascent as champions looking an almost foregone conclusion).
It is tough for Anthony, who got his shot when Summerville was injured against Plymouth, and he will have expected to have a far bigger involvement this term than he has had.
But going with Gnonto, whose speed and directness can be an absolute nightmare for opposing defenders, was the right thing to do and proved Farke’s gut decision was correct.
There is still plenty more for Gnonto to show this term but his most recent outing could have set alight the touchpaper to really ignite his season. it’s just a shame that might be even more to the detriment of Anthony.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites could be set for an FA Cup cash injection.
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