The loanee from Borussia Monchengladbach told Rheinische Post (22 September) that the drop left him feeling like he’d “failed,” and that being unable to “sacrifice everything” for the club and staff is a situation he doesn’t want to repeat.
“It’s a [expletive] feeling, on the one hand for you personally, because you have the impression that you’ve failed,” Wober said of relegation. On the other hand, it becomes evident during the process what is at stake.
“In England, budget cuts following relegation are initially absorbed.” But if you stay at the bottom… the pressure mounts to give up everything for the sake of the club and the staff.
“Not being able to do that was a terrible experience that I never want to have again.”
On the surface, everything Wober has said is correct, but it is unlikely to make many Leeds United fans feel any better about his eventual departure.
The 25-year-old, like many other first-team players, utilized relegation release clauses in their contracts to make quick returns to top flight teams in England or elsewhere in Europe.
So, while Wober isn’t as to blame as some of his Elland Road teammates for the relegation, it’s hard to blame those who left for feeling awful about the relegation if they then essentially failed upwards instead of dealing with the consequences.
Most players, if given the chance, would have done the same as Wober after relegation, and many supporters would have done the same if they were in the same situation.
However, when supporters are dedicated to the team no matter what, they are unlikely to be pleased when players refuse to take the rough with the smooth.
Willy Gnonto’s return to the squad after attempting to leave earlier this season is proof that players can return and, if they perform well, can win back supporters.
How many of those who left on loan this summer return to the club next year will be a significant aspect of the transfer window when the season finishes, but if the manner of their departures does not prove to be a barrier to a return, Wober and Luis Sinisterra are likely to be the most beneficial to Daniel Farke.
