Patrick Bamford opens up on Twitter abuse from some Leeds United fans

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Patrick Bamford has admitted that criticism from Leeds United fans has sometimes hurt him this season. 

The Leeds striker has been a regular under Marcelo Bielsa throughout the campaign. However, there have been occasions where Leeds fans have been left frustrated with the striker’s goal return. Indeed, when Eddie Nketiah was on loan at the club from Arsenal, many wanted the seemingly more potent goal threat to get his chance ahead of Bamford. 

Now, speaking to i this week, Bamford has admitted that some of the things said about him have hurt, but he also made it clear he has gotten good at ignoring the haters. 

“Earlier this season, some of the fans wanted me out of the team and it probably would have been easier for Marcelo to do that. But while I wasn’t scoring goals, I was bringing other things to the side and the fact he has stuck with me means a lot…

“…Earlier this season, I would be lying in bed after a game and scrolling through Twitter, not even looking for myself, and would see some abuse. My missus would say ‘just ignore it’, so I’ve got better at doing that. I’m quite laid-back so it doesn’t affect me too much and I know in my own head whether I’ve played well and should have scored or not.”

Undoubtedly, Bamford is fully aware of when he should have been more ruthless in front of goal and understands where criticism was fair from Leeds United fans. 

However, every Leeds fan will likely agree that some so-called fans have perhaps gone too far with their vitriol toward Bamford this season. 

Whilst his goal tally of 13 in 36 Championship games should probably be higher, Leeds United fans must appreciate the other aspects of Bamford’s game which have always kept him high in Bielsa’s esteem. 

The forward is a tireless runner who applies immense pressure from the front that is key to Bielsa’s style of play at Leeds, which has taken them to the top of the Championship. 

Hopefully, Bamford can separate the fans who have genuinely thought-out criticism from the trolls just looking for a bite. Because if Leeds are finally promoted to the Premier League, there is no doubt the striker has played a huge role in that achievement.