Patrick Bamford says it’s a nightmare eating with 23-year-old Leeds player after Daniel Farke rule

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Patrick Bamford has shared what the Leeds United players “aren’t allowed” to do at dinner the night before a game under Daniel Farke – and why it is a nightmare to eat with Leeds player Ian Poveda.

The togetherness that is evident in this Leeds squad under the guidance of Farke is clear as day. Of course, it helps when winning games and Leeds have won six of the last seven Championship games.

Farke has clearly put rules into place behind the scenes in order to garner togetherness as a squad, and try to stop cliques forming. One of those, according to Bamford, is the players eating on the same table.

Speaking to his new podcast with comedian Joe Wilkinson, My Mate’s a Footballer, Bamford said that the players must wait until Farke arrives before getting dinner – and cannot go until everyone has eaten.

The Leeds striker – who could start with Georginio Rutter a major doubt on Friday – said that the players are often waiting around for Poveda to finish his food, saying he has never seen someone eat so slowly.

“With him [Daniel], dinner is 7pm and everyone sat at the table. One long table, all the players on. He comes in five minutes later and says: ‘yes gentleman, let’s enjoy some lovely food’,” Bamford said.

“You can’t get your food until he comes in. Until the last player has finished, you aren’t allowed to leave. That’s okay if you’re on a circular table of five, you can pick the lads you want to eat with and then go.”

Asked if there was one player that takes ages, Bamford replied: “Ian Poveda. I’ve never seen someone eat so slowly. His argument is you’re not digesting your food properly because you’re not chewing it.”

Patrick Bamford: A nightmare to eat with Leeds ace Ian Poveda

It is good to hear that Farke runs a tight ship and has a list of rules set in place for the Leeds players to follow. Also, that the Leeds boss has a few ways of trying to keep the morale between the players, high.

It is working, too. The Leeds players all look very happy at the moment and of course, winning matches does help that. But keeping that momentum is key. Farke is crucial to that – even if Poveda takes ages.