Leeds United manager Daniel Farke discussed the lack of starting opportunities for some fringe players in his side, including Joe Gelhardt.
Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2023, although they have had one of the best assaults in the Championship for the past two seasons.
However, with such attacking depth comes the challenge of keeping certain players happy, particularly those who are not getting the opportunities they seek.
Daniel Farke answers Joe Gelhardt question with lengthy response
Joe Gelhardt is possibly the most visible example of this type of player, having broken into the senior squad under Marcelo Bielsa in 21/22, only to have his impact on the Premier League and Championship side wane season after season.
Under Daniel Farke, he’s facing the same challenges in terms of playing time and opportunities at a position that suits his strengths – he’s only started once this season, but he’s doing well on the right wing, where he may be more suited.
Farke was asked about Gelhardt and how he keeps players happy when they don’t play often. He said (via the YEP):
“In general, one of the most difficult aspects of your job is keeping players motivated.” Every player wishes to play every second. Sometimes they believe they are playing in the wrong position or are unfairly criticised, and you wind up with two or three players in the team who are completely satisfied with you, while the other 23 or 25 players are more or less ‘I want to bite my manager in the neck’.
“I strive to promote togetherness and spirit. Give it your all, whether you’re on the pitch for 90 minutes or nine minutes.
“Also, for me, Joel Piroe is an important player. He has started many games for us, but there are those in which he comes off the bench. I’m sure he’ll start a lot of games for us, but you also need bench players who can change the flow, since bringing players in with no influence is tough.
“It’s always the same; you have to be focused and concentrated in training when the opportunity arises. It’s not like you have to share equal game time to win the Nobel Peace Prize; when you get an opportunity, you just have to take it; that’s how this industry works at this level. Every player who is with us has my trust and support.”
Gelhardt deserves better, and he’s not going to get his chances in this Leeds team
Given Leeds’ attacking alternatives, it’s not Farke’s fault that Gelhardt isn’t receiving more starts right now.
That being said, he could get more out of the 22-year-old in games where teams are sitting deep, since he operates as a battering ram with the ball at his feet.
Willy Gnonto’s recent move to the inside right position should be great for Gelhardt in games where we need to break down low blocks, and Farke should think about how to use his team more effectively.
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