‘What he needs most is time and peace to develop and grow’published at 14:43 BST
14:43 BST
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Leeds United
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Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has doubled down on his stance regarding youngster Harry Gray, stressing the need for patience and proper progression before the teenager can be considered for regular first-team action:
“I have said everything what I have to say about him in my last press conference, and I won’t speak with him until we see him on the grass. And nothing has changed. Also, I wouldn’t compare his situation with someone who comes in there when the team is 4-0 or 5-0 up and gets his debut and everyone is happy, and then you don’t see him for a while anymore.
“When I came here to Leeds, I had Archie Gray, and we replaced my big leader, legend and vice captain Luke Ailing with a 17-year-old, and it was not easy. Last year I gave Mateo Joseph his debut and played him ahead of Patrick Bamford and Golden Boot winner Joe Piroe, and it was not easy in the dressing room.
“I’ve said everything about Harry that’s needed. He needs training sessions with the first team to get used to the proper physicality of men’s football in the Premier League. He needs game time in the U21s, in order to sustain his rhythm, and what he needs most is time and peace to develop and grow.”