Daniel Farke will not want any disappointed players in his Leeds United side ahead of the 2024/25 season.
Following a decision by the Elland Road authorities, the manager may have to endure a couple of glaring stares as the Whites prepare for their second season in the Championship.
The 2024 Olympic Games in Paris have begun, with football among the first sports to get underway. Some players dream of representing their country at the Olympics.
Leeds’ decision not to allow Mateo Joseph to represent Spain in the games went unnoticed since the player [Joe Donnohue] did not protest. But Junior Firpo is a another story.
The 27-year-old was denied permission to join the Dominican Republic team this summer, according to a public statement posted on Instagram [via Yorkshire Evening Post] on Thursday (25 July).
“I tried in every way possible, given the excitement that drove me to participate in this experience and represent my country in such an important and unique event. But, at the end of the day, you must respect the decision of the club that I represent,” he stated.
“I wanted to thank the coach and his coaching staff for waiting for me until the last moment, and I wished my players the best of luck. I’ll be applauding from home like everyone else.”
Junior Firpo speaks out following Leeds United’s Olympic decision.
Despite the muted reaction, it is entirely reasonable that Firpo would be dissatisfied by the choice made at Elland Road. Dominican Republic manager Ibai Gomez even stated that he would be “a regular” in their forthcoming matches.
Representing your country at the Olympic Games is a significant achievement for some athletes, and as one of the three overage players on the roster, his participation would have been critical.
However, Farke cannot afford to start the new season without a full team, especially after missing out on promotion to the Premier League last season.
Firpo became an integral part of Leeds’ starting lineup despite a rough start to the season, and he finished the 2023/24 season with seven assists.
Even with the signing of Jayden Bogle for £5 million [John Percy, 20 July], the Whites’ full-back spots are significantly stretched.
Firpo will undoubtedly understand, but the player’s disappointment will not go away anytime soon.
