Daniel Farke says Facundo Buonanotte's slow start since joining Leeds on loan was to be expected and has stressed the forward has been brought in to offer depth rather than immediate first-team impact.
Buonanotte, 21, joined on loan from Brighton in January and has made three appearances, most recently being withdrawn after 45 minutes of his only start in an FA Cup win at Birmingham.
Farke said "expectations" and "excitement" around a signing are always prevalent but he did not expect a fast start from a player who has struggled for consistent football, having spent much of his recent career on loan at Leicester,Chelsea and now Leeds.
Farke explained: "This is the message I gave him from when he arrived - we haven't signed him to improve our 11 straight away. We signed him to improve the depth in our squad. We let Jack Harrison go out on loan and Harry Gray out on loan. We spoke openly with Facundo about it. We want to make sure we hold the pressure high on our other options.
"We just like his potential. I told him 'I don't write you off after one poor half'. I was half expecting this."
Farke says it is a good thing that Buonanotte has not immediately commanded a first-team place, as it would mean Leeds did not already own attackers of adequate calibre.
He explained that if Buonanotte instantly improved the team, Leeds would probably need to purchase an attacker like him in the near future, at a cost of £30-40m.
Farke continued: "It's never easy - we give you the stage, support and arm around the shoulder. We don't expect you to cut this league into pieces. It is step by step. If it works out - great, if not it's a loan for both sides, not a big risk.
"He didn't have his best game in the FA Cup game but it's also a bit realistic. If you bring a player in who has rarely played a game, this is what happens sometimes. He's in a challenging position."