‘Can go either way’: Weston McKennie issues verdict on Leeds supporters after troubling loan spell
Leeds United fans, according to Weston McKennie, are among the best he’s ever played in front of.
McKennie was speaking on the American Dream Podcast about his difficult time at Elland Road, acknowledging that the stick he received near the end was warranted, although a little harsh.
After joining on deadline day from Juventus, the 25-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Leeds.
Despite the euphoria surrounding his arrival, McKennie failed to live up to expectations in West Yorkshire and became a real lightning rod for supporter resentment by the conclusion of his stay at the club.
He appeared in 19 games for Leeds, who were relegated from the Premier League with a whimper after failing to win any of their last nine matches.
McKennie praises Leeds fans
Despite the criticism he received both during matches and social media, he believes only Schalke can better Leeds supporters from his experience during his career so far.
He said: “The fans and atmosphere was great, probably the second best fans in terms of support for the team I’ve had in my career outside of Schalke. But that can go either way when they’re vocal, both for or against, and towards the end it was very much against but I won’t say that it wasn’t merited.
“For the level I know I can play and they expect me to play, I can say that. Maybe not as harsh as they [were], but at the same time it’s passion. When you have expectations for someone and it doesn’t pan out, that’s what happens.”
It’s fair to say McKennie’s loan period was a disaster for everyone concerned, but it’s good to hear him still being complimentary about Leeds fans despite his difficulties.
There’s no doubt McKennie deserved some of the insults he received, but it did occasionally cross the line into abuse.
Thankfully, both parties appear to have moved on, with Leeds embarking on a new phase and McKennie rejoining Juventus.
