Jon Newsome has told BBC Radio Leeds (5/2; 16:26) that Georginio Rutter looked a little lost during Leeds United’s loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, but praised the forward for trying to make things happen.
Jesse Marsch’s future at Elland Road is under the microscope once again after the Whites suffered a 1-0 defeat at the City Ground.
Leeds played well in the first-half. But they were extremely poor after the break and quickly looked to be out of ideas. With the Whites fighting to make things happen again, Marsch eventually turned to club-record signing Rutter.
Newsome reacts to Rutter display in Leeds loss
Rutter showed glimpses of his ability at Accrington Stanley on his debut. However, it was a much quieter display against Forest. The striker saw little of the ball. And when he did receive a pass, he was often unable to make anything happen.
Certainly, the Frenchman was not at all at fault for the defeat. However, Newsome suggested that Leeds needed more from the forward after his introduction.
“£35 million, I thought he looked a little bit lost,” he told BBC Radio Leeds. “I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and I’ll give him a few weeks because he’s new to the Premier League and it’s all a bit different. And the service into him wasn’t particularly great. I saw him make a couple of decent runs. But it’s a tough league.”
Despite the fee, Leeds fans have always been aware that Rutter would need time. He is a young player. And he arrived off the back of a spell where he scored just two goals in the Bundesliga.
Unfortunately, the breathing space has evaporated somewhat. Rodrigo is now out for some time. And Patrick Bamford looked so rusty before he was taken off.
Leeds also need points quickly. Other teams in the bottom-half of the table are picking up points and momentum. Marsch’s men simply are not.
In ideal circumstances, the likes of Rutter and Weston McKennie would have time to adapt to their new surroundings.
But things feel really bleak right now. So any inspiration would be very welcome.