(Photo: Action Images via Reuters)
By Alex Beard
Former Leeds United manager Neil Redfearn has given his verdict on struggling Whites goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald, saying he needs more time to adapt to the Championship.
The 27-year-old arrived at Elland Road from German heavyweights Werder Bremen this summer, and after a bright start where he kept six consecutive clean sheets – the wheels have fallen off for both Leeds and Wiedwald of late.
Thomas Christiansen's side have fallen from the top of the table in recent weeks, with his German ‘keeper conceding six goals in back-to-back defeats to Cardiff City and Sheffield Wednesday.
And while keeping goals out is a collective effort, Redfearn believes the shot-stopper has let his team-mates down somewhat over the past two games.
“He didn't cover himself in glory to be fair [against Wednesday],” he 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 brought to the football club and the Championship is new to him so it is a steep learning curve for him.
“They brought him in as No. 1, they've put all the money on him in regards to backing him, but they've got to give him confidence.
“They've got to get behind him and give him some confidence to go out there and perform.
“He's shown at times he can make shot stops and his reflexes have been good at times. His bread and butter stuff has not been bad but he's just got to come to terms with this division I think.”
Wiedwald and Leeds now have some time off to recover from their recent struggles, with the West Yorkshire side back in action against Reading at Elland Road after the international break.
