Wilfried Gnonto downed tools at c in August, leaving his Elland Road future on the rocks with supporters, but the last repairs appeared to be done last night at Ashton Gate
“Refuse to play, then don’t come back.” The message from Leeds United fans couldn’t have been clearer at St Andrew’s on their first away day of the season. At the time, Luis Sinisterra and Wilfried Gnonto felt like they had traveled a long distance.
The assailants had abandoned their employer when it needed them the most. Daniel Farke was forced to pick two goalkeepers from an eight-man bench at Birmingham City, where an unimpressive game ended with a last-gasp penalty winner.
Gnonto would have been a long shot to win the match on a frigid night at Bristol City, propelling the Whites to second place in the Championship five and a half months later. The Italian international’s campaign has not been simple.
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Farke evidently intended to utilize him regularly from the start. After reintegrating with a goal at Portman Road, Gnonto started five consecutive games before a foot ailment necessitated surgery, allowing Daniel James to take his place.
Gnonto made only his third start since limping off against Hull City on September 20. Farke wants to pay tribute to a 20-year-old who, he claims, has worked relentlessly to get himself back on track in a season that had never really started until now.
“I was hoping it would be like this (his return to form after last summer) and I’m pretty happy and delighted for him because, in recent weeks, he was there with good work ethic and always put a shift in when he got a chance,” added the Spaniard. “He had to be patient, but you could almost feel a goal, an assist was missing.
“For offensive players, end products are always key, and he is there right now with a crucial goal at a critical point in the game. I’m quite happy for him because, given his workload and his commitment to training, he certainly deserves it.
“I’m really delighted for Willy. Today, he deserves to be in the spotlight.”
The short turnaround before the FA Cup trip to Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night may ensure Gnonto remains in the squad while James recovers. Farke will deliver an update on the Wales international on Monday, before to the Devon trip.
