Tony Dorigo has told his Yorkshire Evening Post column that Jesse Marsch gave Patrick Bamford a huge on the sidelines against Leicester – after deciding that it would be too soon for the Leeds striker to return to action.
Bamford, 28, was among the substitutes after more than four months on the sidelines with foot and hamstring injuries. His last outing came off the bench after a previous recovery from injury – scoring against Brentford.
His return is eagerly anticipated with Leeds in desperate need of a no.9 to finish their chances. Leeds dominated against Leicester but could not score – even Raphinha seeing a shot from two yards saved by Kasper Schmeichel.
Bamford is likely to be on the bench against Aston Villa at Elland Road on Thursday and maybe better placed to get a late cameo role if needed. Dorigo shares the moment Marsch gave Bamford a huge at Leicester’s King Power.
“I watched Bamford’s little forlorn jog back to the bench when he realised he wouldn’t be going on at Leicester, but Marsch gave him a little hug to say ‘not today, but soon’,” Dorigo said, in his column with the Evening Post.
Dorigo on Bamford: Marsch man-management could help Leeds
While Marcelo Bielsa was renowned for keeping his Leeds players humble, and getting the best out of them behind the scenes – it remains to be seen what the morale was like, given his lack of English.
Bielsa could certainly speak English better than he let on in press conferences, but having such a good talker in Marsch communicate with the players will only improve morale. Instances with Bamford, too.
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