Patrick Bamford has spoken of his admiration for Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, citing his 'love/hate' relationship with him and the players.

The striker has been a contested player throughout. Often the subject of talk after a game - be it good or bad - Bamford has won over more and more fans as the season's progressed.

He finished with 16 Championship goals and is set to become a Premier League no.9 with the club. Speaking to www.leedsunited.com about Bielsa and his person affection towards him, Bamford said:

“With the manager everyone says you don’t see that much of a personal side with him. It’s almost like a love-hate relationship because he pushes us so hard and I know as a group of lads we moan a lot.

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“We know, deep down he is getting the best out of us, he has improved us all as players and you can see the transformation he has done with the team.

“It was just the pure determination and willingness for him to achieve this goal with us and now you can see him relax. He’s such a lovable guy and me and the whole team owe so much to him”

Bielsa is a manager famed for his relentless fitness regimes. 'Murderball' is what he allegedly uses in training to make his players as fit as necessary, but undoubtedly it's worked.

The club is now looking ahead to a massive summer as they prepare for their Premier League return, 16 years after falling from grace.

The verdict

Bamford will be like a lot of player in saying this. Bielsa is a perfectionist and imaginably ruthless with his players, but in the end, he's got the best put of them all and then some.

The Premier League is a different ball game though, and Bamford could see himself with more striking competition after the summer. But he seemingly thrives under the adversity, so expect to see a strong showing from him next time round.