Nigel Reo-Coker has questioned Weston McKennie for choosing to join Leeds United during the January transfer window, telling the House of Champions podcast that he will need to hit the ground running to prevent the fans from turning on him.
McKennie became the final first-team addition Leeds made in what appears to have been a brilliant window for the Whites. Jesse Marsch’s men welcomed three senior players. And Diego Llorente was the only experienced member of the squad to move on.
McKennie is an exciting addition, arriving on loan from Juventus. He has not always had the best time in Turin. However, he is definitely a really talented midfielder. And he may not find it too difficult to settle in given that he already knows Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson from the USMNT.
Reo-Coker worried for McKennie after Leeds move
The 24-year-old will hope that Leeds help him take that next step in his career. However, Reo-Coker is clearly concerned for McKennie.
Initially, the former Premier League midfielder noted how Kalidou Koulibaly has struggled since making the move from Serie A to England in the summer. And he claimed that McKennie cannot afford to make a slow start.
“Elland Road is a different beast of fans. Those fans there are crazy. And I’m telling you, unless you hit that ground running and become a crowd favourite, you’re going to be in for a very tough time because they will turn on you if they don’t feel that you represent that shirt well enough,” he told House of Champions.
“It’s going to be interesting. I’m not ruling him out, like I said. I just hope he knows what he’s getting into.”
Of course, there is going to be some pressure on McKennie. Leeds are potentially in a relegation battle once again. And we have some massive games coming up. So we need wins quickly.
Having said that, to suggest that supporters will immediately get onto McKennie’s back if he disappoints is unfair.
Leeds fans do demand a lot. But probably no more than supporters of most other Premier League clubs.
There is a desperate desire to see the players do well. There was clear jubilation amongst the fans when Junior Firpo scored against Accrington Stanley on Saturday.
On paper, an underperforming defender rolling out a preprepared celebration after scoring a goal against a League One side should not work. And yet, the travelling fans embraced it like Firpo has been our player of the season so far.
Leeds fans will be emotional if things do not work out. But that will not be directed at McKennie if he puts the work in.
Instead, it will be Jesse Marsch who bears the brunt of the frustration. Leeds now have an incredibly talented group of players, one which is more than good enough to pull away from trouble.
And McKennie is another who could really make a big impact. If he gives everything for as long as he is here, the fans will ask for little more.
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