Daniel Farke told Thursday’s press conference – as per the club’s YouTube – that Leeds United striker Joe Gelhardt is working “unbelievably hard” and while he needs to “step it up”, he says the striker “totally identifies with the club”.
Gelhardt, 21, scored his third goal for Leeds on Wednesday night – bundling a bouncing ball home to equalise as we stumbled into the Carabao Cup second round. Leeds had gone down 1-0 to League One side Shrewsbury Town.
But when Ian Poveda’s shot was parried, Gelhardt was on hand to flick the ball home. His third senior effort for us, in what was his 43rd senior appearance. Pascal Struijk got the winner. Gelhardt lasted the entire 90 minutes last night.
Leeds manager Farke was asked if he knew what was needed to restart the fire in Gelhardt’s belly. A striker that has massive potential but is yet to show it – at Leeds, or on loan at Sunderland. Farke shared why he is a big fan of his.
“It is always important to count on young products. What I like about him, is that he totally identifies with the club. Yesterday, there were some errors. He can improve – we spoke honestly about it. We are working hard in training.
“He needs to step it up. But what I like, is he puts a shift in. It was not a gorgeous goal, but it was a goal of will – just to be there. A goal is a goal, it is good for his confidence. He’s a good lad, and he’s working unbelievably hard.”
Leeds striker Gelhardt working unbelievably hard but needs to step it up
If Farke can get a grab of Gelhardt and his potential, and manage to churn that into proven, senior quality – then he will be like a new signing. Leeds will not need a new striker. There are certainly glimpses – but he is hardly a no.9.
However, he is likely to have to play there – and should start at Birmingham City. Leeds really lacked a striker when drawing with Cardiff. Gelhardt scored in his first start of the season. Needs game time, but confidence will be high.
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