Show some respect – Exclusive: Whelan blasts Leeds player as frustration builds
Noel Whelan has blasted promising Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Bogusz for publicly voicing his frustrations about his lack of game time.
The former Leeds striker and boyhood fan, speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, insists the teenager needs to show some respect for the players ahead of him in the pecking order.
Speaking to Polish sports outlet Weszlo, the 18-year-old has admitted he gets “angry” about his lack of playing time under Marcelo Bielsa after feeling he performed well in his one senior appearance to date.
With plenty of other midfield options at the manager’s disposal, Whelan has torn into the “naivety” and “immaturity” of the youngster.
Whelan told Football Insider: “He should show a little bit of patience and a little bit of respect for the club and the players who have been playing week in, week out.
“I think it’s about players, as much as they want to come out and voice their opinions, the only way to do that it with the manager behind closed doors, not coming out publicly and saying it.
“It does show a bit of naivety, a bit of immaturity but you’re 18-years-of-age, you’ve got to respect the fact Leeds are sitting top of the table and everyone’s played their part. His time will come but I don’t think that’s done him any favours, coming out and dealing with things the way he has.
“It’s a bit like Bailey Peacock-Farrell. You can’t come out publicly and say things like that. If you’re going to do it, do it the right way, do it with the right manners and professionalism, inside the four walls, with the manager and voice your concerns to him.”
Speaking about his lack of opportunities, Bogusz told Weszlo: “I’ve learned (patience), we’ll see how much is enough. I get angry that I don’t get a chance. The work I do here will bring great results someday. I just don’t know when.
“I feel that I have developed amazingly, for example when it comes to endurance. I could jump in, play 90 minutes at any time. I played the whole cup match with Stoke and in my opinion, I presented myself well. That’s why I thought it was my opportunity, but unfortunately, it didn’t work out yet.”
In other Leeds United news, Whelan warns there “will be tears” as an EFL chief delivers a promotion update.