As the season draws closer to an end and the pressure mounts on Daniel Farke to get Leeds United into the Premier League, the more honest and open Farke seems to be in his press conferences.
Following the 2-2 draw against Swansea with Leeds fans despondent after conceding an equaliser on 96 minutes, Farke told Leeds fans that he was 100% convinced The Whites would be in the Premier League.
Not something Farke normally does. Then, he went against the standard-Farke vibe by confirming he would replace Illan Meslier with Karl Darlow, and he was equally as nonchalant on Saturday afternoon.
After watching his Leeds side draw 1-1 with Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, Farke was asked about the returning Patrick Bamford. Bamford is said to have impressed Farke in training ahead of the Luton clash.
Daniel Farke makes Patrick Bamford admission after Luton draw
Bamford has endured a dismal season. One of Leeds’ top earners with a wage of £40,000 a week, Bamford is yet to start a single league game. In fact, Bamford has been out injured since the beginning of the year.
But on Saturday, Bamford made his return and played the last 30 minutes – having a couple of chances in his cameo role. After the game, Farke was asked about Bamford and admitted he may only get glimpses.
“If we had Patrick Bamford available last season, we would be in the Premier League. We didn’t have him, for him it is important for his fitness level. Out since January. Last three weeks, he’s trained really well.
“Would’ve been in squad without the illness of Mateo Joseph, you can see in training, he has something to offer. To have an experienced and confident player like Patrick, always important for the whole group.
“I’m happy to have him available, I can’t guarantee he will have an important role to play but the gut feeling is he stays fit, then he has something to show – even if it is glimpses,” Farke said about Bamford.
Patrick Bamford has the chance to bid a good farewell to Leeds
After seven years at the club, Bamford’s time at Leeds is running out. Graham Smyth expects the £10m signing to leave in the summer, after links with the likes of Wrexham and Genoa back in January.
Now fit again and clearly liked by Farke, Bamford has the opportunity to leave Leeds in the best way possible – by scoring a goal or two in the race to get automatic promotion and Leeds back to the top.
Of course, he is not fully fit and will need a few minutes here or there to get fully back to speed but 30 minutes or more against Luton is a good way to play out the cobwebs. His old side Middlesbrough, next.
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