Sheffield Wednesday coach Danny Rohl has opened up on what happened in his first conversation with Ian Poveda.
Ian Poveda joined Sheffield Wednesday on deadline day, having failed to earn himself a place in Leeds United’s senior team.
The winger joined the Whites in 2020, but is yet to score a goal for them and had only managed one start in the Championship this term.
Determined to gain regular football, Poveda completed an arguably risky move to relegation threatened Sheffield Wednesday.
The Colombian made his first start against Birmingham City last week and put on a very impressive performance, picking up his first assist for the club.
Danny Rohl has now praised Poveda and has admitted that he gave him a ‘good feeling’ when the pair first met last month.
Speaking to The Star, Rohl said: “When I think back to the first meeting with him, I saw in his eyes and how we smiled when he spoke about football. And when he spoke about what I can do for him, which position I want to have him – because I see his strength – I saw immediately that he was open-minded.
“He was on fire to come here, for some players it was not the easiest decision. To come to the bottom of the league, it’s different than playing for Leeds and going for promotion. But he was immediately convinced by this, and it gave me a really good feeling.
“He showed at Huddersfield in 20 minutes the quality he has. He has made a good impact, he’s a new weapon, and this is what we need in our situation. Now we have to go forward as a team.”
How important can Ian Poveda be this season?
Despite his struggles, Ian Poveda certainly has one of the most intriguing CVs in the Championship. The 24-year-old spent time in the academies of Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, Brentford and Man City before arriving at Elland Road.
Poveda already spent last season fighting (and failing) relegation with Blackpool, and his decision to take on such a mission yet again is a big credit to the attacker.
Both Poveda and Rohl know that he can become the main man in the final months of the campaign, while helping the club stay in the second tier could well earn him a permanent contract at Hillsborough too.
Poveda’s contract with Leeds is set to expire in the summer and it is unlikely he will play for them again, especially if they are to return to the Premier League.