Gelhardt’s first visit to Elland Road was as part of the Wigan Athletic team in the Championship in the 2019/20 season, a match which the Whites lost even as they got promoted at the end of the campaign.
After the conclusion of that season, Gelhardt signed for the Whites and after making his debut for Leeds this season, he has been involved in moments that have lifted the Elland Road crowd to their feet.
The young forward’s first experience of Leeds’ home was tough however, as he recalls he was so intimidated by the Elland Road crowd, he did not wish to come off the bench.
Now though the forward cannot get enough of the passion of the Whites’ supporters, insisting that it makes him want to go the extra mile for them.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Gelhardt said: “The first time I went to Elland Road I was playing against them and that’s when I first experienced the atmosphere.
“I was like, ‘Oh my God!’
“I’ve told a few of the lads, it’s the only one game where I’ve thought, ‘I don’t want to come on here’ because it was absolutely rocking.
“But when I made my Leeds debut at Elland Road, the noise was just crazy.
“It can be like a 12th man and you don’t get tired when they’re roaring and you just want to please them as much as possible.
“You hear them and they are roaring when you come on, there was one game where I was like, ‘Oh my God, these fans are crazy!’
“All it does is help you when you’re on the pitch.
“You don’t get tired, you want to run that extra yard for them, you want to do more for them so they’re happy and they can enjoy their weekend if we get a good result.”
Gelhardt was responsible for Leeds getting a penalty, and subsequently the equaliser, in only his second appearance in the Premier League.
He also netted a crucial late winner against Norwich City that kickstarted the Whites’ run that has seen them steer clear of the relegation zone.
On both occasions, the crowd erupted as Gelhardt played a crucial role in ensuring Leeds secured important points.
