Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has revealed that he has told promising academy product Robbie Gotts that he would understand if he wanted to leave the club.
The 20-year-old has never made a first-team appearance for the Whites despite being named in matchday squads this season and in the 2018/19 campaign.
Gotts was a key player during Carlos Corberan's U23s side's Professional Development League North title win last season and has been labeled as "one to watch".
A versatile player that can play in either defence or midfielder, the Leeds academy graduate was praised earlier this season by Bielsa, who said he deserves a chance in the first team.
That is still yet to come and, speaking to Leeds Live ahead of the visit of Cardiff City on Saturday, the Argentine coach discussed the situation concerning Gotts.
He said: "I feel guilty about what is happening because he does everything to achieve his goal even though he didn’t have minutes.
"This situation is unfair for Gotts. It’s very, very difficult to resolve. It’s difficult, but the reality is they are young players forced to say nothing and accept my decision.
"This increases this feeling I have I am worrying about. Gotts is in a special situation because he got a lot less than what he deserves."
Bielsa revealed that he had spoken to the 20-year-old about his future.
He said: "In another moment I said to Robbie ‘I really hope you stay with us’, but I would understand if he thought it was better for him to leave.
"I would understand this. On the other hand, I kept Gotts in the group because I believe he has options, but the situation I think Gotts has options doesn’t mean I am going to give him minutes."
Bielsa indicated that he sees the Englishman competing for places with Jamie Shackleton, Stuart Dallas, Mateusz Klich, and Adam Forshaw.
With Forshaw and Shackleton currently out injured, it seems as though Gotts' chances of first-team opportunities may be even slimmer when they return.
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The Verdict
It must be a frustrating situation for Gotts, with Bielsa heaping praise on him but offering few real opportunities to prove himself in the first team.
At just 20, you feel there is no need for the young player to make any rash decisions just yet, though at some point in the near future he will need some senior football to further his development.
With the opportunities given to players like Shackleton and Jack Clarke, Bielsa has shown that he is willing to put faith in young players. The issue Gotts appears to face is the players ahead of him in the pecking order.