Steve Evans reacted after Leeds United beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 this afternoon.
Leeds United boss Steve Evans has told BBC Radio Leeds that he thinks Mirco Antenucci is heading in the right direction in his pursuit of a new contract.
The Whites made it three wins in seven days with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers this afternoon, as Sol Bamba put Leeds in front from an Alex Mowatt corner in the first half.
Striker Antenucci then made it 2-1 on 69 minutes, before Simeon Jackson’s late consolation for Blackburn set up a nervy finish at Ewood Park – but Leeds managed to hang on and claim another impressive victory.
The win took Leeds up into 12th place in the Championship table, and forward Antenucci was the hero for the third time in seven days.
The Italian hit two goals last weekend as Leeds beat Bolton 2-1 at Elland Road, before hitting the second goal in the 2-0 win over Cardiff in midweek.
Today’s goal made it four in his last three games, but uncertainty surrounds his Leeds future, given that his contract with the club expires at the end of the season.
Now, manager Evans has told BBC Radio Leeds that he thinks Antenucci is doing all the right things to earn a new deal, but acknowledged the decision is out of his hands.
Evans also offered praise to youngster Kalvin Phillips and winger Jordan Botaka – he has been critical of the latter in recent times – suggesting that both players have impressed in training of late.
“Well, I said to him, I’m going to put him in the team and I’m going to love him and I’m going to give him the chances – he can either earn it, or not earn it,” said Evans. “He’s doing everything right. I love to work with good players, Mirco Antenucci is a good player, but as you know, those decisions lie above me. He’s certainly going in the right direction, but there’s a lot of games to go yet before the end of the season. If we keep Mirco in that type of form, I’ve got no doubt that people will speak to him in the summer.”
“Kalvin Phillips was here today and unlucky not to be on the bench; his performances have gone dramatically up – it’s been amazing in the last two weeks! Jordan Botaka came on to the bench and rightfully so – he’s been fantastic in training,” he added.
Should Antenucci be given a new Leeds contract?
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