Farke Fires Back at Tanaka and Gnonto Critics as Leeds Boss Crushes Fan Fury With Ruthless Selection Call

There has been a lot of noise around Elland Road lately. Some Leeds fans and Leeds United fans have been asking the same question, why are Ao Tanaka and Wilfried Gnonto not starting more games?

Last season, both players were heroes in the Championship. They helped Leeds go up and gave LUFC fans plenty to cheer about.

Tanaka was sharp in midfield, full of energy. Wilfried Gnonto was quick, brave, and always trying to make something happen. Many United fans believed they would shine again in the Premier League.

But football at the top level is different. Since November, after a tough loss to Manchester City, Daniel Farke Leeds has changed things.

The team has looked stronger. Results have improved. And because of that, Tanaka and Gnonto have not played as much as some wanted.

Now, journalist Graham Smyth has spoken out. He says the idea that Farke is “killing” these players by not picking them is not fair.

Tough Competition in the Premier League

The Premier League is not the Championship. It is faster, stronger, and more brutal. If you drop your level just a bit, someone else takes your place.

Tanaka has played games this season, but often from the bench. He has started only a few league matches. In midfield, he is fighting against strong players who have been steady and solid.

If he is not better than them in training, the manager will not risk changing a winning side.

The same goes for Wilfried Gnonto. He has talent, no doubt. He can dribble, shoot, and cause problems. But he has not been starting regularly.

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Other attacking players are in good form right now. When a team is winning, it is hard to break into the first eleven.

Some Premier League fans from outside Leeds might not understand the emotion. But Leeds fans are loyal. They remember who helped them get promoted. That is why feelings run high.

Still, Daniel Farke Leeds has one job, to keep Leeds safe and competitive. He will always pick the team he believes can win.

FA Cup Chance Did Not Change Much

Both Tanaka and Wilfried Agnonto were given a chance in the FA Cup against Birmingham City. It was a good opportunity to show they deserve more league minutes.

But the performance was not fully convincing. Neither player completely controlled the game.

They were steady but not outstanding. And in football, especially at this level, you must grab your chance.

If a player comes in and has a brilliant match, fans and media shout for him to start the next game. But if the impact is small, it is harder to argue.

That is what Smyth is saying. He believes Farke sees these players every day in training. He knows who looks sharp. He knows who is ready.

What It Means for the Rest of the Season

Right now, Leeds are in a decent place. Since that City defeat, they have picked up big wins and strong draws. Confidence is back. The team spirit looks good.

So what happens to Tanaka and Wilfried Agnonto?

They are not finished at Leeds. Not at all. But they must be patient and ready.

When they come off the bench, they need to change games. A goal, an assist, a moment of magic, that is how you force your way back in.

If they stay on the fringes until the end of the season, then summer questions may come. When clubs improve, sometimes players move on. That is normal in football.

For now, though, Daniel Farke Leeds is focused on results. And many Leeds United fans are starting to see his point.

Winning matches in the Premier League is not easy. You cannot pick players just because they were stars last year.

The message is simple. Work hard. Take your chance. Fight for your place.

And if Tanaka or Wilfried go to produce a big performance soon, you can be sure Elland Road will roar again.

Because LUFC fans always back their own when they see effort and quality on the pitch.

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