Daniel Farke has sympathy for Patrick Bamford with the Leeds United star struggling for both game time and goals at the moment, underlining the impact so many injuries may have had on his body.
Bamford, 30, is yet to start for Leeds this season but has come on as a sub in each of our last 11 league games. Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe both sit ahead of the one-time England striker as things stand.
It comes after Bamford missed the start of the season after picking up an injury in a pre-season game against Hearts. One of a number of injuries over the last couple of years. It hasn’t gotten any easier.
Against Stoke, he was the centre of criticism once again when he missed a penalty and The Potters went down the other end and scored, Leeds losing. Farke though, remains sympathetic with Bamford.
“We are happy we have Patrick. His experience, quality. Important he stays fit. His body has had to deal with a lot in the last couple of years, never easy for an offensive player,” Farke told his press conference.
“It was not easy as he was missing at the start of the season, other players getting numbers. A proven goalscorer. It’s not easy when getting 20, 30 minutes. He has many skills. Will deliver an end product.”
Daniel Farke admits he has sympathy for Leeds’ Patrick Bamford
He hasn’t had it easy. Bamford has had injury, after injury. The striker set himself high standards during 2020-21 when he performed miracles, having a hand in 25 goals in our first season back in the top tier.
Criticism, injury, a lack of rhythm and momentum have hampered his form over the last two or three years. Bamford needs game time, and he probably needs a bit of luck. But Bamford has it within him.
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