Italy international Wilfried Gnonto was not involved in Leeds United’s 1-1 draw against Leicester City on Tuesday, with coach Javi Gracia explaining that he had to think about what’s ‘best for the team.’
The product of Inter Academy remained on the bench in a 1-1 draw at Elland Road last night amid protests from Leeds fans who expected to see the 19-year-old on the pitch, especially after Luis Sinisterra’s injury.
“Willy can play up front or on one side. We had many options as well. Georgi could play as a striker but at that moment I didn’t decide to do it,” explained Leeds coach Garcia during a post-match press conference, as quoted by LeedsLive.
“I can understand all the feelings of my supporters but my job is to try to get to take decisions and I tried to do it by thinking about what is best for the team. Of course, in the last games in this game, Willy could play, Georgi could play or Adam could play, and many, many players can play.”
“When you are there and you have to decide, you try to look for always what you’re thinking in that moment is the best for the team. Knowing Willy and Adam as you say are very good players and in the next game for the next games, for sure help the team.”
The Spanish tactician faced several questions about the Italy international during his post-match presser. One was about what Gnonto has to do in training to get more playing time.
“It was a decision that I had to take at that moment of the game. All the players are training well, you know, I only have good words for all of them. But it’s nothing special about one player,” insisted the coach.
Protests from Leeds fans continued on social media, with many complaining on Twitter about Garcia’s decision. It was also one of biggest matter of debate during BT Sport’s post-match show.
Gnonto joined Leeds from Zurich in a €4.5m transfer last summer. He has scored four goals in 23 competitive appearances with Leeds this season, making his senior Azzurri debut in June 2022. Currently, Gnonto has one goal in 10 games with La Nazionale.