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Leeds winger Botaka responds to dismissive comments from Evans about his attitude
By Harvey Byrne
Jordan Botaka has hit back at claims from former manager Steve Evans that he had a bad attitude.
The former Leeds manager claimed after an FA Cup defeat against Watford in February that the youngster was fortunate to be selected as he dropped a strong hint about attitude problems.
“He was very fortunate be on the pitch,” said Evans following the match, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post. “He was in the squad because I didn’t have any other options.”
However, the DR Congo international has said that he always gave his all for the Yorkshire giants ahead of the new season.
“You can say things about me but you can’t ever say I don’t give 100 percent of myself to football. Anyone who knows me knows this,” said Botaka to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“I could say a lot about it now and there are many things about last season that people don’t know, but I want to keep it that way.
“I know what I did and I don’t like anyone thinking that I don’t give everything because that’s not my attitude.
“I kept as focused as I could and in my opinion I was good with everyone. I did what I had to do, I did what I thought I needed to do to get back into the team and I can be happy with myself. This is a new season now with a new gaffer. And I’m still here.”
The 23-year-old, who joined from Dutch club Excelsior last summer, was on the fringes of the team in his debut Leeds campaign and made only 14 first-team appearances, just three of which were starts.
A number of clubs have asked about taking Jordan Botaka on loan from the Whites this summer, but it remains to be seen whether the winger has a part to play in new manager Garry Monk’s side next season.
The youngster has just a year left on his contract and Botaka will be looking to impress his new manager and earn an extension at the Elland Road giants.
In other Leeds team news, Garry Monk has claimed experienced duo Robert Green and Pablo Hernandez will be key to returning to the Premier League.