Leeds United boss Paul Heckingbottom has urged goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald to keep working hard after he received widespread criticism for his performance against Bristol City.
Whites fans on Twitter have demanded that youngster Bailey Peacock-Farrell replaces Wiedwald against Derby, but the manager has shown his support for the under-fire star.
“Keep driving forward and trying your best & people will soon say nice things about you. I don’t see any issues as it stands at the moment,” Heckingbottom said, as quoted by BBC journalist Adam Pope on his personal Twitter account.
PH on Wiedwald criticism: “Keep driving forward and trying your best & people will soon say nice things about you.” #lufc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) February 20, 2018
PH on Wiedwald: “I don’t see any issues as it stands at the moment.” #lufc
— Adam Pope (@apopey) February 20, 2018
Wiedwald has been the first-choice option in goal for the Yorkshire giants this season during his first season in English.
The 27-year-old has impressed with his ball-playing ability and distribution, but his physical presence has let him down several times already this season.
Heckingbottom has reiterated his desire to give all Leeds players a fresh start since his appointment, but number two goalkeeper Andy Lonergan must be chomping at the bit to get a chance.
OPINION
Wiedwald remains the best option in goal at Elland Road and will be delighted to see a vote of confidence from the manager. However, he must start repaying that faith on the pitch and cutting out silly errors from his game. The return of a settled back four in front of him should help, with Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi available again against Derby after suspensions. Leeds will need something pretty special in their remaining 14 league games to make the play-offs and the goalkeeper will need to be on form to help. Wiedwald should have the experience under his belt to cope and remains a still shot-stopper.