Yorkshire Evening Post reporter Graham Smyth claims that manager Jesse Marsch snapped at wonderkid Willy Gnonto during the second day of Leeds United’s training camp in Valencia – despite Gnonto creating a goal for Cody Drameh.
Gnonto, 19, has come into the Leeds side of late and starred for the Whites. Finally giving in to Leeds fans, clamouring for a glimpse of the Italy talent, he came off the bench against Liverpool and instantly made an impact for Leeds.
It saw him start in the final match before the World Cup break against Tottenham, a 4-3 loss to Antonio Conte’s side. Gnonto will be hoping to retain his place in the starting XI, with Jack Harrison back from injury after missing Spurs.
He will be hoping to continue to impress in training, ahead of friendlies against Elche, Real Sociedad and Monaco. But, he was ‘chided’ by Marsch in training – despite going past two players before setting up Drameh to score a goal.
Smyth wrote: “Willy Gnonto danced nimbly away from the attentions of two defenders to put a goal on a plate for Cody Drameh, only to be chided by Marsch over his starting position as the move developed.”
Marsch snapped at wonderkid Gnonto during second day of Leeds camp
There are positives from this. Marsch will know the talent Leeds have on their hands, a player to have already clocked up eight caps for Italy at senior level. But the only way he is going to progress is if Leeds place demands on him.
Especially, if he is going to be a regular in the senior side. Gnonto has power, pace, guile, goals and assists. He has the maturity and intelligence of an older player. What might be lacking, is the tactical aspect that comes with experience.
Marsch can help fast-track that. But only if his criticism in training of Gnonto is taking constructively by the ex-Inter Milan academy product. Clearly, Marsch feels Gnonto can take the feedback even in front of others.
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