Former Whites club captain Bamba was let go by Monk after the close of the transfer window.
Former Leeds United captain Sol Bamba has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that there was “no personal issue” between himself and Garry Monk, and suggested that the manager can lead the Whites into the play-offs this season.
Bamba was released by the Whites this week after the close of the transfer window, and Monk has since confirmed that it was his own decision to let the centre-back go.
Though Bamba’s form had declined after an impressive first 12 months at Elland Road, the decision came as something of a surprise to many as it left the squad a man light in defence with the transfer window having just closed until January.
It might be expected that the 31-year-old Ivory Coast international would be bitter over Monk’s decision having been a regular under previous managers, but it seems that nothing could be further from the truth.
In fact, Bamba praised the former Swansea City boss for having the guts to be open about his decision.
Bamba told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I’m much closer to the end of my career than the start of it so the worst thing for me would be to sit around at a club, thinking I’m going to play when the manager has no intention of playing me.
“I’ve no problem with Garry at all and I respect him for being open about it. There was no personal issue between us, none at all.”
Leeds have started the current season in uninspiring form, earning just four points from their first five games, a run which has somewhat dampened the optimism that had risen over the summer.
However, Bamba believes the club are in great hands with Monk in charge, and has suggested that the manager and the squad have the capabilities to finish in the top six and qualify for the play-offs this term.
He added: “What I would say is that I think the club’s direction is better now that it’s been before. To me that’s down to the manager they’ve appointed. He’s played the game before at a high level so he’s easy to respect.
“He never puts on coaching sessions where you’re thinking ‘what’s the point in this?’ Everything is explained, everything has a reason. He’ll do really good things if the owner gives him the time.
“The quality’s not really come through yet. What I’ve seen of the team (in training) is much better than what you saw last month. So 100 per cent I think the play-offs are possible. It just needs performances like we got at Sheffield Wednesday.”
Leeds face Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield Town this afternoon.
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