Neil Redfearn has been highly critical of Leeds United goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald and stated that he still needs time to adjust to the Championship.
The 27-year-old moved to Elland Road in the summer from German club Werder Bremen and has endured a mixed start to his career in English football.
He started the campaign in brilliant form and kept six consecutive clean sheets to help the Yorkshire giants climb to the top of the Championship.
However, the shot stopper’s bad form has coincided with a turn in result for Thomas Christiansen’s side, who sit fifth in the league table during the international break.
Wiedwald has shipped eight goals in his last three games and was criticised for his display in the 3-0 loss to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend.
Redfearn has ripped into the German for his performances recently and said he has been “found wanting” in matches.
“He didn’t cover himself in glory to be fair, [against Sheffield Wednesday]” Redfearn told Radio Yorkshire. “He has been protected as such of late but the last two or three games he has been called upon and has been found wanting.
“He is amongst a group of players that have just been bought to the football club and the Championship is new to him so it is a steep learning curve for him.”
OPINION
Wiedwald certainly has looked poor in recent weeks and fans are starting to turn on him. He had a brilliant start to his Leeds career, but a lot of his clean sheets were down to the brilliance and tightness of the defence. He has shown that he can be a good shot stopper and is also capable with the ball at his feet. However, he is lacking a physical presence and could have been braver for Gary Hooper’s goal against Wednesday. Some Leeds fans are calling for Andy Lonergan to replace him in goal for the next game against Reading, but it’s far too soon for that. Christiansen should stand by his number one Wiedwald for now as he is still adapting and can be a top goalkeeper on his day.