Daniel Farke says Leeds player has to work ‘unbelievably hard’ to be a part of his plans

Add as preferred source on Google

Daniel Farke has been quoted by Leeds Live as saying that Ian Poveda will have to work “unbelievably hard” to be a part of his plans at Leeds United ahead of the 23-24 campaign – after the winger scored against Forest last night.

Poveda, 23, last played for Leeds in May 2021, our first season of three back in the Premier League. He went on loan to Blackburn in 21-22, but managed just 10 games – breaking his leg. Blackpool next, but it was a bit indifferent.

Indeed, just five goal involvements in 26 games for Blackpool. He returned to Leeds this summer with there being little prospects over his future at Elland Road. A few weeks later, Poveda stands a real chance of having an impact.

He started against Manchester United and did well. Unused sub against Monaco, but Poveda came on at half time against Forest last night at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium. He was one of our best players on the night, in a 2-0 win.

Patrick Bamford scored the first goal of the night and with Forest looking leggy towards the end of the match, it was Poveda’s moment. Driving forward having cut inside from the left, he latched on to Georginio Rutter’s touch inside.

Poveda got the ball out of his feet and lashed a left-footed shot into the bottom corner, to the delight of Leeds fans behind the goal. Farke was asked about Poveda’s prospects in the Leeds side – and he said he will have to do plenty.

“It’s difficult. Not just after one, two good performances we are dancing on the table because of his performances. He has to keep going, he has to work unbelievably hard. I’m pleased with his developments so far,” Farke said.

“That’s the reason why he is getting some game time and getting the chances. But after one or two good games I’m not willing to sing the big song of praise about him, so he has to keep going,” Farke continued, discussing Poveda.

Farke: Poveda will have to work unbelievably hard to be in Leeds plans

Leeds have an abundance of wingers. Jack Harrison, Willy Gnonto, Cree Summerville and Luis Sinisterra remain after last season. Dan James has returned from Fulham and he is expected to play a big part ahead of next season.

Helder Costa is back and is seen in training, but has not featured in pre-season. He is likely to go, as is a couple of other wingers – Harrison, when fit, and one or two of Gnonto, Summerville and Sinisterra. For Poveda, it depends.

It all depends on how many Leeds sell. Costa definitely, Gnonto likely, Summerville and Harrison could go. If two or three depart, Poveda has a chance of breaking back into the side and playing for us competitively once again.