Willy Gnonto looks on during a Fiorentina game
Willy Gnonto looks on during a Fiorentina game
Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images
Leeds United out-on-loan star Willy Gnonto has revealed that he is has improved physically at Fiorentina, with coach Paolo Vanoli making him run a lot.
Gnonto joined Fiorentina on loan from Leeds during the summer, with the Italian side holding a €15m option to make his move permanent next year if he impresses in what is his first stint in Serie A.
His departure from Elland Road was a difficult moment for Leeds boss Daniel Farke and the Whites squad, due to the regard Gnonto is held in.
Add Inside Futbol as a preferred source on Google.
The 22-year-old has made three Serie A appearances so far, all from the bench, and will be hoping to make his first start for Fiorentina post the international break.
Gnonto has a point to prove in terms of where his career is, after a former coach admitted that he expected ‘more growth’ from the winger.
He had a change of coach early on at Fiorentina, where now Vanoli is in charge of the club.
Gnonto highlighted the physical improvements he feels he has made under Vanoli, revealing that the demanding training sessions and increased running have helped him feel stronger.
|||
Season Position
2025-56 14th
2024–25 1st (Championship, promoted)
2023–24 3rd (Championship, playoff runners-up)
2022–23 19th
2021–22 17th
He also suggested that he is currently in a good place, while acknowledging that there are still several areas of his game he can improve.
The Leeds loanee stressed that he is working on those aspects every day and believes the guidance of Vanoli and the support of his team-mates can help him continue to develop.
Speaking to Fiorentina club’s media he said: “One of the things I’m sure I’ve improved in is physically.
“We’re working hard and running a lot.
“Coach Vanoli is making us run a lot and I feel better physically.
“I’m in a pretty good place.
“I can improve in everything and I’m working on it every day.
“I’m sure I can do it with the help of the coach and my team-mates.”
Fiorentina are set to face Genoa this weekend, where Gnonto will hope to make his first start for the Italian side.
Regardless of whether he starts, the Leeds loanee will be looking to put in a strong performance against Genoa and help his side secure three crucial points, with La Viola currently languishing in the bottom half of the Serie A table.
For Leeds, whether they will bring in €15m from selling Gnonto next summer continues to remain unclear.