Speaking after Leeds’ win over Bristol City on Saturday afternoon, Marcelo Bielsa hailed Patrick Bamford’s overall game.
What did he say?
The Whites secured only their second win of this new decade by edging past the visitors 1-0 at Elland Road, with Luke Ayling’s early strike proving to be the difference in the end.
One man who once again struggled in front of goal, was Patrick Bamford. As per Sofascore, the striker missed one big chance, couldn’t convert either of his two attempts, and made just nine accurate passes over the course of the 75 minutes he was on the pitch.
Despite that, Bielsa leapt to the 26-year-old’s defence, and insisted that whilst he wants him to be “more efficient”, he still “strengthens” the team.
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He said (as quoted by Leeds Live): “One centre-forward who is in contact close to scoring, but he doesn’t achieve this. Bamford is a player in the Championship who has shot more times than the competition. Shoot a lot and score a few times or he scored few times if you see the number of shots he has. Of course, I would like him to be more efficient. He is in good condition every match to score. We hope he gets what we deserve.
“This is a player who strengthens the team. He allows us to play with our style. After he has function and special role in the team, but it’s what I mentioned before. The organisation of the team is linked to him.”
Major gamble
As perhaps expected, Bielsa continues to stick by his misfiring striker.
Bamford now has just two goals in his previous nine games in the Championship, and that certainly isn’t the record of someone who a promotion-chasing side like Leeds can rely upon to fire them to glory.
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Having signed Jean-Kevin Augustin in the January transfer window, the Leeds boss has another option to play instead of the 26-year-old. But if he continues to place his trust in Bamford, then he will have no-one else but himself to blame if the Whites miss out on the Premier League for next season.
Meanwhile, Leeds fans rave about this ace after his impressive display against Bristol City.
