Leeds United manager Daniel Farke has expressed his delight at seeing Willy Gnonto come through his tough period and believes that the winger has developed his personality over the course of recent months.
Gnonto has started the last two Championship games and has again been looking good after having a difficult first half of the season.
The Italian pushed to leave Leeds last summer and was banished from the squad by Farke before he was later reintegrated into the fold.
The Leeds boss conceded that it was a difficult moment for the player at the start of the season and admitted that it is harder for young players these days to handle the noise and pressure around them.
However, he stressed that Gnonto’s personality has changed over the last few months and it has helped him to come through the tough period.
Farke is happy to see the player again looking good on the pitch and winning back the love of the fans.
The German said in a press conference when asked about Gnonto’s improvement: “We spoke about this topic a lot at the beginning of the season.
“It was a difficult moment – also for the club – it’s also never easy when you have so much expectation and noise for a young player.
“He has to handle many expectations and I think about when I was 19, there was not so much with social media and always mobiles.
“My life was much easier at this age and no one realised mistakes.
“It’s so difficult in the spotlight but they are living a privileged life and have to grow up quickly. What Willy has done in recent months is develop his personality.
“Sometimes, tough times can help you to value the good times.
“He’s still young but feels much more settled, more confident, he enjoys much more being in this role and obviously being involved a lot and scoring goals helps.
“Everyone is singing his name again. I’m delighted for Willy.”
Gnonto will hope to start again when Leeds take on Swansea at the Liberty Stadium on Tuesday night.
