Former Leeds United winger Eddie Gray believes defender Gaetano Berardi has resolved the disciplinary issues that made him a liability previously.
Speaking to the club’s official channel LUTV, the 72-year-old said he couldn’t bear to watch the 31-year-old from fear he was going to get himself sent off during the recent Yorkshire derby versus Huddersfield Town.
Gray said: “There [were] a few challenges when he was going in after being booked, and I shut my eyes. I thought, ‘No!’ but he pulled back and he did the right thing.
“He has learned as well. There comes a time in your career when [you think] ‘I shouldn’t be doing that’, because you’re letting yourself down, the manager down, the team down and the supporters down.”
Is Berardi worthy of a contract extension?
Yes
No
Berardi has been sent off eight times during his Elland Road career (via Transfermarkt.co.uk) and despite making just 17 Championship appearances this season he has started two out of the last three league games.
TIF Tactics – Has Berardi played his last game for the Whites?
The former Swiss international joined Leeds back in 2014 from Sampdoria in a deal worth a reported £90k (via Transfermarkt.co.uk). His current contract is set to expire at the end of this season and with the EFL having been suspended due to the viral outbreak it could yet be that he’s already played his last game for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
According to WhoScored.com, Berardi’s performances in the Championship have earned him an average rating of 6.63/10. If he does leave the club this summer, the Whites will be losing a highly-experienced defender who has made 150 appearances in the famous kit.