£23m player admits there’s been times when Leeds United fans hated him during his spell at Elland Road.
There’s no denying that Leeds United has the most eager fan base in the Championship.
The pressure will be on Daniel Farke and his team for as long Leeds are out of the Premier League because the Elland Road faithful is desperate to see their team return.
That was undoubtedly clear during Leeds’ 2-0 victory over Cardiff City. Even though the Bluebirds were awful, most teams would have been happy to leave the pitch empty and secure three points while travelling.
However, after Ilia Gruev made a few too many backward passes, Leeds supporters began to jeer certain parts of the performance.
Wilfried Gnonto claims that while it is the same for everyone inside the team, including the 49ers, it is simple to comprehend the expectations of Leeds fans.
Gnonto admits Leeds fans hate during Elland Road career
Maybe more than anybody else, Gnonto is aware of the ardour of Leeds supporters. He quickly won the hearts of the supporters during his debut campaign with the team.
But he has been trying to mend that connection ever since his attempts to force a Leeds exit following relegation undoubtedly damaged it.
It feels as though Gnonto has advanced much in that regard because, in spite of Everton’s £23 million bid, he was awarded a new contract at Leeds in the summer for his outstanding attitude.
In an interview with BBC Radio Leeds, Gnonto stated that while he is aware that there have been phases of fan love and hate, he firmly believes that the former has now returned.
“I love it,” he declared. “The interactions with the fans.” Since I moved here, there have definitely been times when I have experienced both love and hate simultaneously.
“But I know that they love me and I love them as well because they make me feel at home since the first day, and for my family as well. I really try to every time I go on the pitch to put this work, running and passion they have as well. I feel like they can see it in me.”
Gnonto back on song for Leeds this season
Gnonto was still getting used to life back in Leeds at this time last year. Fans’ opinions were still out of the picture, and he wasn’t playing to the level of his Premier League season before.
Even if the goals and assists column do not yet show it, a quiet summer has allowed him to get off to a quick start this time.
Gnonto key stats 23/24 vs 24/25
| Stats | Gnonto 23/24 | Gnonto 24/25 |
| Touches per game | 31.1 | 51.3 |
| Succ. dribbles per game | 0.8 | 1.5 |
| Key passes per game | 0.6 | 0.7 |
| Fouled per game | 1.5 | 3 |
| Shots per game | 1.3 | 2.5 |
| Big chances created | 5 | 2 |
Despite the obviously lower sample size, almost all of Gnonto’s important metrics have improved this season over last.
Playing off the left, where he began the first four games, demonstrates how much more composed he is and what he can do..
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