Leeds Utd: The next few games are going to be tough for Leeds Utd
The latest news from Leeds United ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest.
A Leeds United star has been told he is facing an uphill battle to force his way back into his international squad despite showing some signs of promise in the aftermath of a big money move to Elland Road.
There was much excitement and enthusiasm when the Whites secured a reported £18m deal for AC Milan’s versatile forward Noah Okafor during the summer transfer window and the 24-times capped Switzerland international has gone on to find the net twice in his first seven appearances for Daniel Farke’s side.
After making his debut as a substitute in the defeat at Arsenal and remaining on the bench for the goalless home draw with Newcastle, Okafor made a first start in a late loss at Fulham before grabbing his first goal for the club as Farke’s men racked up a first away win of the campaign with a 3-1 victory against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 25-year-old doubled his goal tally in a 2-1 loss against Fulham and has shown some signs of why Leeds were so keen to lure him to Elland Road ahead of their return to the Premier League.
However, Okafor remains out of favour at international level and has not appeared for Switzerland since a substitute appearance in a 3-2 defeat against Spain almost a year ago. Swiss manager Murat Yakin has given an update on the situation after holding talks with the Whites star and explained several players ‘are now at an advantage’ over Okafor as he looks to work his way back into his squad.
Speaking to Swiss outlet Watson, Yakin said: “Okafor remains on the radar. And Giger (Union Saint-Gilloise forward Marc Giger) is interesting alone because he has a steep climb behind him. A year ago, he played in the Challenge League. If he performs well in the Under-21s and continues to make progress in the club, he can soon become a topic.
“I talked to Okafor again and again, told him what I expected from him on and off the pitch. I hope that my words will eventually reach him. We will continue to monitor him. Offensive players are also measured on scoring points. There are those who are now at an advantage over Okafor.”
Former Whites boss ‘disappointed’ to be sacked by non-league club
Simon Grayson has been relieved of his duties as Hartlepool United boss.placeholder image
Simon Grayson has been relieved of his duties as Hartlepool United boss. | Mark Runnacles/Getty Images
The 55-year-old spent just over three years in charge at Elland Road between December 2008 and February 2012 before going on to spend time managing the likes of Sunderland, Bradford City and Blackpool. After a short stint with Nepalese Super League champions Lalitpur City, Grayson returned to England this summer when he was appointed as manager at Hartlepool - but his reign was brought to an end after just 15 games in charge last month.
The former White boss was left disappointed by the decision and stressed he was not frightened of the challenge he was handed by controversial owner Raj Singh.
Grayson told BBC Tees: “It was frustrating and disappointing when you lose your job, because when I spoke to Raj in the summer it was all about, look, he chased me for a long time and we had a few obstacles to overcome in terms of where the club was, etc.
“But I just felt that we could do that. I've never been frightened of a challenge and I trusted my ability that I would get things going on and off the pitch. Unfortunately, the one thing you don't get in football these days, not just at Hartlepool, it's just the general world of football is time, really.
“You've seen so many managers leave their jobs so quickly, Premier League, Championships and beyond. But in the past, that has been a big commodity to have where you can have time to build and overcome a few dodgy spells or a couple of dodgy results that can see you through for success. But hey, it happened and of course I was disappointed.”
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