Pundit Praises Daniel Farke for Key Decision Ahead of Leeds’ Win Over Swansea
Paul Robinson Backs Daniel Farke’s Decision to Drop Wilfried Gnonto as Leeds United Triumph Over Swansea City
Despite 21-year-old Wilfried Gnonto recording three goals and five assists in the Championship this season, eyebrows were raised when Daniel Farke chose to start Dan James and Manor Solomon on 24 November.
However, the decision proved effective, with James providing two assists and Solomon scoring twice, as Leeds secured a thrilling 4-3 victory over Swansea City.
Gnonto also played a crucial role, coming off the bench to net the winning goal.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson supported Farke’s decision.
“I think the manager was proven right, to be honest. When a team wins, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
They don’t call them substitutes anymore; they call them finishers, and that’s exactly what Gnonto was,” Robinson said.
He continued, “Farke has a wealth of talent in those attacking areas.
Look at the bench—Ramazani, Joseph, Gnonto, and Bamford. Even with long-term injuries, the quality at his disposal allows him to make these decisions.
Manor Solomon justified his selection, as did Gnonto coming off the bench.
You can’t criticise the manager because the plan worked, and the ‘finisher’ scored the winner.”
Was Daniel Farke Right to Rest Wilfried Gnonto?
With a congested winter fixture schedule ahead, Farke appears to have made a calculated decision to manage Gnonto’s workload.
The young forward has become a key player in Leeds’ promotion push following the departures of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, and Farke is keen to avoid further injury setbacks.
Leeds have already had to cope without Dan James, Largie Ramazani, Ethan Ampadu, and Ilia Gruev at various points this season.
Losing Gnonto would be a significant blow, making Farke’s decision to rotate his squad all the more prudent as Leeds navigate a critical stretch in their campaign.
