Leeds striker Bamford ignoring critics and thankful to ‘teacher’ Bielsa

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford insists it is his self-belief that allowed him to score so prolifically on the club’s return to the Premier League.  

The Englishman managed 17 goals in what was his first full top-flight campaign last term, and admits that, although he has always had sceptics and critics of his abilities, he doesn’t take any notice.

“Even though I scored 17 goals in the league last season, there will still be people who doubt me in the future,” Bamford told Shoot.

“It’s always the way, but I have always had the self-belief that I can score goals.”

The former Chelsea academy star, who has been frustrated by injury so far this term, was integral to the Whites’ impressive first taste of the top flight for 16 years.

Bamford’s goals, which saw him finish fourth in the scoring charts, combined with his workman-like displays played a big part in helping the Yorkshire side finish ninth in the table.

Bamford was the Premier League’s second-highest English goalscorer behind Harry Kane in 2020/21.

Leeds’ final standing and the way they attacked the 2019/20 season gained boss Marcelo Bielsa further admirers.

Now a cult hero in the city, the Argentine is credited with much of the club’s recent success, and Bamford can understand the furore around his manager.

“As soon as I started working with him, I realised I’d never worked with another manager who is even remotely similar,” he says.

“The best way to explain it is that you literally learn something new from him every single day – he’s like a teacher.

“He’s always adding that extra bit of detail to your game, looking for improvements.

“Under him I believe there is no limit to how much I can improve because of what he can offer me as a manager.

“I really appreciate everything he has done for me so far and I think all the boys do.”

Read the full interview with Patrick Bamford inside the 2022 Shoot Annual,  available in selected high street retailers and online now.