Here are your latest Leeds United evening headlines for Wednesday, March 22.
Wilfried Gnonto 'couldn't wait' for first team bow amid initial lack of minutes
Wilfried Gnonto has opened up about playing for Leeds United's under-21s during the early stages of his spell at Elland Road.
Read more: Javi Gracia delivers Jack Harrison verdict as Leeds United faith repaid after Marsch frustration
The Italian international joined Leeds from FC Zurich on transfer deadline day in September, and was initially viewed as a future prospect. He made five appearances for the under-21s, and was forced to wait until late October to make his Premier League bow.
Jesse Marsch believed it was the best path for the teenager, although Gnonto has admitted that he was desperate to make his mark in the Premier League.
"The coach thought it was the best path for me, but I couldn't wait to play with the first team to give my contribution: let's say it took a while," Gnonto told Italian outlet Corriere.
Gnonto marked his cameo from the bench by playing an instrumental role in Crysencio Summerville's winner against Liverpool at Anfield. He then set-up from Summerville's decisive strike the following week against Bournemouth.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season for the Whites, and has scored four goals and contributed three assists in 20 games across all competitions.
Leeds United star delighted with Javi Gracia change after 'emotional' Jesse Marsch
Max Wober says Javi Gracia's 'calm' and 'matter-of-fact' mentality has been a complete contrast to Jesse Marsch's 'emotional' style of management. Wober was signed by Marsch during the January transfer window, after previously playing for the American at Red Bull Salzburg.
The 25-year-old played just six times under Marsch before his sacking at the beginning of February. Wober has formed a promising partnership with Robin Koch in recent weeks under Michael Skubala, and later Gracia, and is quickly proving to be a shrewd buy.
Leeds have collected seven points from their first four league games under Gracia, and Wober has opened up on the immediate impact the Spaniard has had on the squad.
Leeds United's Mateo Joseph facing World Cup audition as he prepares for England bow
Leeds United striker Mateo Joseph will be doing all he can to make the most of his first England Under-20s World Cup audition this evening. The Spanish-born striker is eligible to represent the Three Lions through his father and after bagging 16 goals in all competitions for Leeds’ youth side this season, he received his first call-up last week.
As such, Joseph has been training with Ian Foster’s squad over the last few days and he could be set to make a debut tonight as England U20s take on Germany at the Manchester City Academy Stadium. The United striker has plenty of competition for a spot in the side, with Man City’s Liam Delap, Tottenham’s Alfie Devine and Daniel Jebbison of Sheffield United also included.
However, Joseph will be striving to put his best foot forward before travelling to Marbella with England for the remainder of the international break, with matches to be played against USA and France. This month will be the last time Foster sees his players before selecting his 21-man squad for the 2023 FIFA U20 World Cup in Indonesia, which gets underway in May.
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