Willy Gnonto has admitted to Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera that it was frustrating to be used in Leeds United’s Under-21 side by Jesse Marsch during the early stages of the season – following his move to Elland Road.
The 19-year-old joined Leeds on deadline day from Zurich, but he did not make his debut for Leeds until coming off the bench against Liverpool on October 29. A whole two months without senior football, despite having Italy caps.
In that time, he turned out for the club’s Under-21 side in Premier League 2, and the EFL Trophy. He played five times before making his senior debut for Leeds, scoring in a 1-0 win away at Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Asked about his start to life at Leeds under American boss Marsch and the decision to try him out in the U21’s to begin with, Gnonto responded. Maturely, he explained how it was Marsch’s decision – hinting at a bit of frustration.
“The coach [Jesse Marsch] thought it was the best path for me, but I couldn’t wait to play with the first team to give my contribution: let’s say it took a while,” Gnonto said, during an interview while on duty with the Italy National side.
Gnonto admits frustration to be used in Leeds Under-21 side by Marsch
Looking back now, it is ridiculous that Leeds did not use Gnonto for such a long period. A player that had Italy caps and look at him now, one of the best teenage talents in the Premier League. He is likely to start against England.
Of course, Leeds were planning to sign Gnonto in future windows – the most-recent January window or even, this summer. That might have been why Marsch did not use him straight away. Clearly, he was wrong to make him wait.
