Robinson has urged old club Leeds United to sign a replacement for Wiedwald .
Paul Heckingbottom says he has not had he time to properly assess Felix Wiedwald after the Leeds United goalkeeper’s ability was called into question by one of his predecessors, Paul Robinson.
Wiedwald has made several high profile errors since his summer move from Werder Bremen to Leeds, with another arriving in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at home to Bristol City.
Speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, Robinson claimed the German ‘does not look the whole package’ and urged the Whites to sign a replacement.
Asked if he agrees with the former Leeds and England shot-stopper’s assessment, Heckingbottom – who was hired as Thomas Christiansen’s successor a fortnight ago – told the club’s official Twitter account: “[I’ve] not had the time [to assess him]. People can think they’ve got the [all-round] game for the Championship, you can still be found out six months later – you’re yesterday’s news.
“Again, back to my original point, you have to accept [criticism], it’s part of the game. Keep driving forward, keep producing your best and people start saying nice things about you. And then if you start relaxing it will all shift again, and that’s the cycle of football – that’s no different for any player.”
On whether or not he has spoken to Wiedwald about his latest mistake, the Leeds boss said: “No, not directly. But the goalkeepers, the outfield players, everyone is sort of in the same boat at the minute, where it’s a fresh start. So I’ll be looking at all of them over time. They’re all fighting for their place.”
Asked if Wiedwald’s confidence has taken a hit after criticism from Leeds fans, Heckingbottom added: “He made a mistake for the goal, so did the players marking around for the second ball and after that he made a good save from Ryan Kent and then [he was] untroubled really throughout the game, there were no other errors.
“The fans voiced their concerns but then the fans helped the team get the win, which was unbelievable. So I don’t see any issues as it stands at the minute.
“And that won’t change regardless of results. We could be winning eight in a row and there could always someone breathing down your neck waiting to take your place.”
Wiedwald was dropped for seven straight Championship fixtures by Christiansen earlier in the campaign, although Andy Lonergan failed to impress in the 27-year-old’s absence.
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