Daniel Farke has made it abundantly clear to Wilfried Gnonto that he will not have a ‘third chance’ with Leeds United or its fans. The message comes as Gnonto prepares to return to the fold and potentially represent the Whites at Ipswich Town, just one week after handing in a written transfer request to the club.
In an effort to force a move out of Elland Road this month, with Everton thought to be keen, Gnonto refused to play in three United games under Farke and was consequently exiled from the senior group at Thorp Arch. Leeds have been unwavering in their approach regarding the forward’s future, though, insisting he will not be sold and underlining that they will not bow under the pressure of player power.
With his hopes of a move fading, Gnonto met with Farke for clear the air talks earlier this week and, after apologising for such actions, the Italian has been brought back into the first-team training, alongside Luis Sinisterra.. The forward now has the challenge of winning over his teammates and the fans once more, on his road towards redemption in West Yorkshire.
Forgiveness might not be straight forward, but it’s up to Gnonto to ensure he doesn’t waste the second chance he has been afforded by making amends with his performances and desire on the field.
“In this moment, it’s important to be strict, to educate our players and also to send a sign,” Farke said regarding the club’s stance, when talking ahead of this weekend’s game against Ipswich Town. “If Willy has learned his lesson, he has apologised, he has spoken about that he made a mistake, then I’m always open also to give such a young lad a second chance.
“That doesn’t mean right now we just cater for Gnonto or we have to be grateful that he’s back now, it’s the other way around. We give him a second chance and he also 100% knows there is no third chance.
“You get a second chance but there is no third chance and right now it’s up to him to impress with unbelievable hard work and he has to work even harder in training and in the games to win all the love and also all the trust and support back, the ball is in his court right now. We just have decided to give him a second chance because I think everyone, especially when you’re such a young guy, deserves a second chance when you learn your lesson.
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