Joe Gelhardt: Ex-Leeds United star digs at Marcelo Bielsa after he’s ‘proved wrong’
Marcelo Bielsa was wrong to keep a leash on Joe Gelhardt during his final months at Leeds United.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the youngster’s “brilliant” moment v Norwich.
Gelhardt, 19, scored a dramatic late winner as Leeds beat the Canaries 2-1 on Sunday (13 March).
The striker only made 10 appearances in the league under Bielsa this season with eight of those coming off the bench.
He has now played in all three of Jesse Marsch’s games in charge and made himself the hero against Norwich.
With Patrick Bamford sidelined for most of the season, Kenny insists Gelhardt should have played more under his former boss.
“Bielsa only seemed to have one way of doing things, he was getting it wrong”, Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“He only gave those young lads a chance because of the injury crisis they were going through.
“The new manager has come in and he’s giving everyone a chance.
“That goal just proves some of these young guys have what it takes. Gelhardt has proved Bielsa wrong with that goal.
“You know what I loved about that? The celebration. Did you see his face? There was so much passion there, brilliant.
“You have to give youth a chance, I’m a big believer in that. But now Leeds seems to have another option in Gelhardt.
“It’s great for him and it’s great for Leeds.”
Gelhardt has now scored two goals in the Premier League.
He has also picked up three assists during a remarkable breakthrough campaign.
In other news, pundit raises “huge” new Patrick Bamford injury fears after an update on his Leeds United comeback.