Leeds gem Gelhardt shares how Mowbray ‘makes it easier’ at Sunderland

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Leeds United gem Joe Gelhardt is ‘enjoying’ his spell at Sunderland since joining the Black Cats on loan. The striker has also shared how Tony Mowbray has made it ‘easier’ for him.

Mowbray sought to sign Gelhardt for the rest of this season during the January market to strengthen his side’s promotion hopes. But the Stadium of Light coach has needed to rely on the 20-year-old much more than expected after losing Ross Stewart for the campaign.

Stewart is Sunderland’s top scorer in the Championship so far this season with 10 goals in 13 games. But the 26-year-old needed surgery on an Achilles injury earlier this month that will sideline him until the summer. So, Gelhardt has taken over point duty under Mowbray.

Gelhardt has started all five of Sunderland’s Championship fixtures since his arrival on loan from Leeds. The Liverpool-born gem also offered his first goal on Tuesday night in their 2-1 defeat at Rotherham United. He had laid on his first assist against Bristol City last Saturday.

Mowbray further afforded Gelhardt his first full 90 minutes at Rotherham to reach 398 for his loan stay so far. Jesse Marsch had only fielded the forward for 201 minutes over 15 Premier League appearances for Leeds this term. The now-sacked coach also started him just once.

Joe Gelhardt is ‘enjoying’ his stay at Sunderland on loan from Leeds United

Gelhardt offered two assists during his top-flight appearances this season. But Marsch was often reluctant to lean on the England youth international amid the Whites’ fight to avoid relegation. He only afforded the forward 40 minutes over five outings after the World Cup.

Now, Gelhardt is getting regular minutes and is enjoying his time on loan from Leeds with Sunderland so far. The £1m former Wigan Athletic talent also appreciates how Mowbray’s plans have helped him settle at the Stadium of Light and build bonds with his teammates.

“Obviously, that’s part and parcel of joining in January – it’s going to be tough to know the lads and how they play,” Gelhardt said, via quotes by The Northern Echo. “I think with the freedom that the manager gives you as an attacking player, it makes it easier.

“I’m still learning how the other players play but I think it’s getting better every game. The chemistry is growing and I’m enjoying my football at the minute.”