Loss of Leeds attacking threat not just down to Bamford – Bielsa

News Desk
Leeds striker Patrick Bamford puts his hands on his hips

Marcelo Bielsa says Leeds’ failure to create as many goalscoring chances this season is not solely down to the continued absence of Patrick Bamford.

Bamford, the second highest-scoring English player in the Premier League last season behind Harry Kane, has missed Leeds’ last six games due to an ankle injury and will not be ready to face Norwich on Sunday.

“We’ve clearly lowered the amount of dangerous chances that we’ve created,” Bielsa said.


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“Of course, if Bamford was here his presence would be valued, but the fact we have not been creating as many chances is not linked solely to Bamford.”

Leeds have yet to replicate the same form which lit up the Premier League last season and Bielsa admitted his players were struggling for consistency.

When asked to evaluate the contribution of winger Jack Harrison, Bielsa said: “You ask me a question where you know that I can’t praise his performances up until now.

“But what’s happening to Harrison is happening to all our players in the squad, where they have better or worse moments and nobody is able to maintain a regular consistency in their performances, especially when they are playing in attack.

“Harrison is a player with a lot of resources to be able to play on both wings and we’ve enjoyed his contributions.

“Harrison will continue to shine or will shine again in proportion to the faculties that he has and it’s my job to put him in situations in the game where he’s able to shine and to make him as important as I feel that he is.”

Bielsa praised Stuart Dallas’ “mental fortitude” after dealing with the death of a close friend and contracting Covid-19 at the same time in September.

The Leeds boss continued: “When episodes of these types happen it depends what each persons reality is.

“We respected Dallas’ decision to want to participate. Not only did we respect it, we gave it a lot of value and acted on it.

“He’s a player that’s very strong mentally and he has fought through aspects in his personal life…could be overcome through willingness and mental fortitude. The most dominant traits of his personality and have allowed him to grow in football.”