Daniel Farke’s comments on Facundo Buonanotte raise burning question at Leeds United
Facundo Buonanotte was dreadful for Leeds against Birmingham.
With Leeds in a healthy position in the Premier League, they have no reason not to pursue a cup run, and while Daniel Farke made changes against Birmingham, that intent was clear.
The likes of Willy Gnonto and Ao Tanaka were handed valuable minutes, while winter arrival Buonanotte was also handed his first start for the Whites since arriving on loan from Brighton.
In all honesty, the Argentine was shocking for Leeds, and Farke’s comments on his performance after the game certainly raise questions.
What did Daniel Farke say about Facundo Buonanotte?
Not only was it his first start, but Buonanotte had played just 24 minutes of football for Leeds United prior to their FA Cup clash at the weekend.
He was brought on with five minutes to play against Everton at the end of January, and was handed 19 minutes at home to Arsenal.
The clash with Birmingham was his chance to stake a claim for his place in the team, and he failed miserably, with Farke explaining why he looked a yard off everyone else.
He said: “He’s a very young player who hasn’t played much football in recent years. You can’t just arrive and deliver straight away – you have to fight for your rhythm.”
And that is a valid point raised by the German. Before joining Leeds, Buonanotte had made just eight appearances at Chelsea, with only one of them coming in the Premier League.
However, that then begs an even bigger question. Why did Leeds sign him?
Was Buonanotte a signing made by Daniel Farke?
The lack of gametime certainly suggests not.
While things can change, it feels as though the 49ers knew they couldn’t fail to bring in another attacking player, and almost panicked to bring him in.
Leeds needed someone to arrive and hit the ground running, and Farke‘s comments suggest that Buonanotte will need time to get up to speed, but with 12 games to be played, that seems unlikely.
The question really has to be asked as to what the thinking was behind his move to Elland Road, because after the first month, there is no sense to be made of it.
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