In a revealing and heartfelt discussion, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke opened up about his honest conversation with striker Patrick Bamford. Farke’s comments, made during the early stages of pre-season, reveal he has had to make a tough decision on a player he highly respects.
Injury Issues
Farke began by emphasizing the transparency of their dialogue: “I had a really open and honest conversation with him. He knows exactly how I view him as a player. I would have preferred a completely fit Patrick Bamford in the last two seasons.” The striker’s injury-plagued tenure has limited his ability to consistently showcase his undoubted talent, which Farke still holds in high regard: “He also knows how much I rate him as a person.”
Leeds manager Daniel Farke has told Patrick Bamford he is "not part" of his plans this season, and will have to train with the under-21s if he stays at Elland Road. ❌ pic.twitter.com/wdazRrZzOR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 20, 2025
The crux of Farke’s message to Bamford was rooted in his vision for the player’s role. He explained, “Due to the fact he has had really difficult years, for me Patrick is a player who at this stage needs to be the main man. He needs the arm around the shoulder – if he gets this, he will score goals, he’s a top player.” Farke’s belief in Bamford’s ability to deliver when fully supported is clear, but he was equally forthright about the realities of the Premier League. “After the last two seasons, I was not willing to say he is the main man at Premier League level,” Farke admitted.
Farke’s decision not to position Bamford as a backup option further underscores his respect for the player’s legacy at Leeds. “I do not think he should be a back-up option if he was the main man for so many years. It’s not the perfect situation,” Farke explained. This stance reflects a nuanced understanding of Bamford’s contributions to the club, including his role in securing two promotions, and a desire to avoid diminishing his status by relegating him to a secondary role.
Bamford Response
Bamford’s response to this tough conversation was, in Farke’s words, “top class.” The manager praised the striker’s professionalism and attitude, noting, “He’s trained really good, really professionally. His reaction was top class, like I expected. He liked the honesty. Patrick has done so much for this club. He has won two types of promotion and deserves some respect and transparency.”
However, the conversation culminated in a difficult truth: “He is aware that he is not part of my Premier League plans.” While this statement marks a significant shift for Bamford at Leeds, Farke’s approach was steeped in fairness and clarity, ensuring the player was not left in the dark about his future.
