Patrick Bamford drew another blank for Leeds United in their loss to Coventry City, and Daniel Farke was questioned afterwards if he felt his striker had done enough for him.
Patrick Bamford’s week at Leeds United could have turned out very differently with two right-footed attempts. The striker had two chances in the six-yard box on Easter Monday against Hull City and on Saturday against Coventry City, but both were wasted by clumsy, left-footed efforts.
The Elland Road tumble, in which Bamford plotted to score from four yards out, will live in infamy. Yesterday was a far trickier opportunity at Coventry’s near post, but manager Daniel Farke believes it will go in if his number nine starts with the right foot.
According to Farke, the 30-year-old was eventually replaced more than half an hour before full-time due to an inefficient and rude performance. It did not appear to the German that Bamford would ever have a significant impact on the match.
“He invested a lot in terms of running and also against the ball, but with the ball, he wasn’t that effective,” that’s what he said. “He had an opportunity in the first half when he scored with his right foot, and it was a typical Patrick Bamford goal.
“It just felt like today wasn’t one of his days, and we have a full schedule. For that [reason], I wanted to harness Mateo Joseph’s energy and momentum in the second half.
“It tragically did not pay off in this way, but I’m also hesitant to be overly critical of Patrick because, in terms of workload and shift, as well as what he invested, it was a legitimate game. It just didn’t feel like he’d be there in a crucial time today, which is why he was substituted.”
Joseph has been on a hot streak recently, but he struggled to make the same effect in the West Midlands on Saturday. There was one especially well-weighted pass into Joel Piroe for the game’s best chance, but otherwise, the 20-year-old was smothered by Coventry’s defence.
Those fans who were clamouring for the Spaniard to start ahead of Bamford prior to this game would have had little reason to change their minds in Coventry. Leeds meet Sunderland at home next Tuesday night.
