Suriname manager Henk ten Cate has revealed he has taken a tough stance with Leeds United striker Joel Pirlo over his lack of minutes at Elland Road this season.
VG Sport Cover Ten Cate's comments today regarding the Leeds striker. He is preparing for his international break with his new nation.
Pirro switched his allegiance to Suriname earlier this year. He was officially called up for the international break last week.
The Leeds United player could now be ready for the World Cup this summer. Undoubtedly, that tournament is a major motivation behind the change of allegiance.
Disappointing leeds united season
The added motivation will be especially true after a disappointing season with Leeds United. Joel Pirlo was one of their star men as they were promoted last season. He also has 74 goals in the Championship over four seasons with Leeds and Swansea City.
However, life in the Premier League has been difficult. He is yet to score in the league and has only managed 217 minutes in total as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has established himself as the number one under Daniel Farke.
Pirlo had to watch the match from the sidelines, but he made an impact by scoring two goals in the FA Cup win over Norwich City two weeks earlier.
Lack of minutes isn't a concern for Ten Kate. But still he has issued a warning to the Leeds United striker.
"He doesn't play regularly for Leeds but is at the highest level club," He said.
"The English league is by far the strongest in the world. It could be that you sit on the bench. I've told Joel he has to work really hard.
"When the opportunity comes, you have to take it. He did that against Norwich. He played a very good game and scored an important goal."
summer decision needed
Fortunately for Joel Pirlo, a lack of minutes for Leeds United this summer is unlikely to harm his chances of going to the World Cup.
He will likely be hoping to use that tournament to market himself. The Netherlands-born player will surely have to make a decision about his future at Elland Road one way or another.
It's clear he's not a sure-fire Park to Daniel Farke's plans, especially given Dominic Calvert-Lewin's continued influence.
During the January window, they talked about winter exits.
"To be honest, it's not in the plan right now," Piro said.
"You never know, what if an opportunity comes up that you can't refuse? But personally, I'm not really looking forward to making any moves this winter. Especially because the season is still relatively short and there's very little time to adapt elsewhere. I think it would be very difficult."
At the time, Ipswich Town were keen on a permanent transfer. The Leeds United player did not want to move in the winter and was also unwilling to switch championships.
When summer arrives, a different decision may need to be made.
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