Jermaine Beckford has now shared what Wilfried Gnonto told him as Leeds continue to slide towards the Championship.
As things stand, Leeds find themselves 16th in the Premier League – just one point above the relegation zone.
Bizarrely, Javi Gracia is not using Gnonto as his side struggle to pick up wins, and Beckford has now addressed the situation.
What’s the story?
Well – speaking on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast alongside Sam Allardyce – Beckford revealed that he has spoken to the Italy international directly to ask why he isn’t playing.
The Leeds No.29’s response was very worrying indeed.
Beckford said: “There are a couple of players who should be playing in this situation. Wilfried Gnonto.. fantastic, he’s so positive, he’s so driven, he’s so direct with the ball… he doesn’t mind defending as well.
“I’ve spoken to him directly about it and he doesn’t know… embarrassing.”
Embarrassing indeed.
Gracia needs a very, very good reason to be leaving someone as effective as Gnonto out of the starting XI at such a crucial stage of the season.
Therefore, the fact that the 19-year-old doesn’t even know why he’s being left on the bench is seriously concerning.
Gnonto has to start for Leeds
To put it bluntly, Gnonto has to be in that starting XI when Leeds take on Bournemouth this Sunday.
It would be understandable if Gracia was picking up wins without the Italian wonderkid – in that instance, the Spaniard’s odd decision would be justified.
However, Leeds haven’t won in four Premier League outings now, so there is no reason why Gnonto – who looked likely to become Player of the Season at Elland Road over the winter – should be overlooked.
Hopefully, Gracia sees sense and plays Gnonto this Sunday – if not, he risks even more anger from the fanbase, especially if Leeds suffer another defeat.
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