Leeds United captain Liam Cooper has backed Joe Gelhardt to maintain his confidence levels after being substituted as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Everton. Gelhardt replaced the injury Rodrigo Moreno in the first half but was then brought off again by the returning Patrick Bamford in the final 14 minutes.
The 19-year-old was given his first real sustained period of minutes in the Premier League so far this season, as he has so far been reduced to short cameos from the bench. And Gelhardt clearly played as if he had a point to prove as he caused the Everton defence problems.
Gelhardt did, though, miss Leeds’ best chance for a winner as he saw his close-range shot saved by Jordan Pickford. Former Leeds midfielder Simon Johnson took to Twitter to discuss Jesse Marsch’s decision to sub Gelhardt as a sub, claiming it would be a tough one for the teenager to take.
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He said: “That’s rough on Joffy you know. Being sub subbed is one of the most degrading things you can experience as a footballer. He took it like a trooper to be fair but that could kill his confidence dead. Undecided on that move.”
Whites captain Cooper, though, felt compelled to respond, labelling Marsch’s call as the right one, but also backing Gelhardt to overcome it with his confidence still high. He said: “Tbf Si, JOFFY not played a run of games yet and worked his nuts off!
“Having Pat on the bench the straight swap was the natural thing to do. He’s a good kid and this wouldn’t EVER affect him the kid oozes confidence.”
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