Leeds boss is sticking with Patrick Bamford.
Marcelo Bielsa told his press conference on Thursday that he plans to pick Patrick Bamford this weekend.
Bamford has not scored for Leeds United since August, and loanee Eddie Nketiah came off the bench to net an equaliser against Preston in midweek.
He told the Yorkshire Evening Post he plans to stick with Bamford against Sheffield Wednesday.
It may not be the right choice, but here are three reasons explaining why it might be…
Bielsa reminds everybody who’s in charge
Marcelo Bielsa is and always will be a coach determined to do things his way.
The more the pressure on him to start Nketiah over Bamford, you get the feeling he grows more and more entrenched in his position.
Bielsa will not let supporters or the media dictate his selection. It’s frustrating and admirable at the same time.
He has form with this, going back to his time in charge of Argentina, sticking by an ageing Gabriel Batistuta over an in form Hernan Crespo.
Away game better suited
This upcoming fixture away to Sheffield Wednesday is not against a relegation battler, its against a promotion rival.
The Owls can leapfrog Leeds with a win, and the Whites need to keep possession to limit the Owls.
Bielsa believes Bamford’s all round game and work rate is superior to Nketiah and this will help the team.
Nketiah needs a run in the team, but there’s some value in delaying it for one more match.
Show the player his support
Patrick Bamford’s performance against Preston highlighted a striker lacking confidence.
Bielsa’s comments backing him should give him the boost he needs.
Bamford can play his way through his goal drought, all he needs is one, and he will be back on track.
Bielsa’s man management could be crucial for Bamford’s season long term.
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