NafisaA sense of calm has returned to Leeds United this season, a sentiment echoed by Italian forward Willy Gnonto as he reflects on the squad’s mentality. “We are calmer than people think,” the 21-year-old said during a visit to Leeds General Infirmary, where he took time out to meet patients. His statement provides reassurance to fans, especially in a season where expectations for promotion are sky-high.
Leeds United finds itself in a unique position, holding the potential to end 2024 at the top of the Championship table. A second victory in three weeks over Derby County on Sunday could secure that coveted position, reinforcing the belief that nothing less than promotion is acceptable for a club of their stature. This is the reality of being one of the largest clubs outside the Premier League in the current English Football League season.
The financial dynamics of modern English football compound the pressure. Parachute payments, designed to cushion the financial blow of relegation from the Premier League, come with a ticking clock. Each passing year sees these funds diminish, leaving relegated clubs scrambling to secure an immediate return to the top flight. This urgency often precludes long-term rebuilding, a challenge faced not only by Leeds but also by clubs like Sheffield United.
Leeds’ failure to bounce back to the Premier League after last season’s play-off final defeat adds another layer of tension. In contrast, their relegated counterparts, Burnley and Sheffield United, managed to leverage their parachute payments and achieve instant promotion. With the likes of Sunderland also setting a high bar in the Championship, Leeds faces fierce competition to reclaim its Premier League status. For a one-club city like Leeds, every defeat feels magnified, often perceived as a calamity, if not a full-blown crisis.
Despite these pressures, Gnonto insists the squad remains composed. “We are always really calm, trying to support each other and push each other,” he said. “When we have this quality and good players coming off the bench, we know we can win games. I feel like we have a good team, and we’re lucky most of the squad is available. We have a tough run of games, but we can win them all.”
Gnonto himself has undergone a noticeable transformation in maturity. Just 18 months ago, his frustration at Leeds’ refusal to sell him to Everton was evident, culminating in an unprofessional display of discontent. However, under the steady leadership of manager Daniel Farke, the young Italian has grown both on and off the pitch.
This season, Gnonto has become a pivotal figure in Leeds’ attacking arsenal. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “Last season, I was injured or out most of the time, but this season, I’ve been on the pitch, and I’ve tried to do all I can to stay there. The first season was exciting, but I didn’t play much. Now, I feel like I’ve already played as much as in the first two seasons combined. I feel like I’ve assisted more goals than before, and I’m nearly there with goals. I just want to keep going, stay fit, and make a difference.”
Gnonto attributes the team’s newfound composure to experience. “Last season was a bit new for me, and I didn’t know what to expect in the Championship. Maybe because we’ve already been there, we now know what’s important. We’re just calmer.”
That calmness has been crucial in navigating injuries to key players, particularly in central midfield. Ethan Ampadu’s return has been a stabilising factor, with the Welsh international starting matches on either side of Christmas Day. Ilia Gruev is also edging closer to full fitness. However, the injury list remains a concern.
Max Wober continues to struggle with a persistent knee issue, and first-choice left-back Junior Firpo is sidelined with a hamstring injury. This has placed additional strain on Sam Byram, whose fitness history suggests he may not be able to sustain a packed schedule. Manager Daniel Farke acknowledged the challenge, saying, “Sam Byram is always a little topic. We have to wait and see if he’s really ready to go again.”
Wober’s situation is particularly frustrating for the team. Having undergone minor surgery, he managed just four appearances before his knee problems resurfaced. Farke explained, “He feels a bit of pain, still a bit sore in the knee where he had surgery. He was excellent when he was available, but for the last two games, he wasn’t able to train beforehand.”
Fortunately, there’s optimism about the rest of the squad. “All the others seem to have come through the Boxing Day game without bigger problems, so I hope to have them all available,” Farke said. If Ampadu can start his third match in eight days, Pascal Struijk’s return from hamstring stiffness might provide a solution at left-back.
Farke remains composed, embodying the squad’s collective calm. His focus is on maintaining performance levels, especially as Leeds prepares for another encounter with Derby County. The previous meeting saw Derby manager Paul Warne acknowledge the gulf in class between the two sides. Farke remains cautious, though, recognising Derby’s strengths. “They have many experienced Championship players, not like a typical team who is promoted,” he said. “They have one of the most experienced teams in this division and especially in home games, they always play with a lot of intensity.”
Leeds United will need to match that intensity while leveraging their technical superiority. The stakes are high, but with the squad’s depth, experience, and newfound composure, they are well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead. The goal is clear: to finish the season not just as contenders but as champions, ready to reclaim their place among English football’s elite.
Nafisa
