Leeds United transfers pass first test but striker insists there's 'no pressure' on next key task - YEP 19/7/22
Jesse Marsch's six summer signings have passed the first Leeds United test but there's no pressure on them to prove themselves yet, says Patrick Bamford.
By Graham Smyth
The Whites striker has been delighted with the way Tyler
Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Ramsus Kristensen, Luis Sinisterra, Marc Roca and
Darko Gyabi have integrated with the existing Whites squad since their arrival
at Elland Road for pre-season.
Leeds got the vast majority of their transfer business done
early enough that the new players could experience the full summer training
programme, from the first day of testing at the Carnegie School of Sport, to
the tour of Australia.
Being Down Under has allowed the squad to spend huge amounts
of time together, away from the comforts of home and families, forcing them
into each other’s company whether they like it or not. Although the training
schedule, friendly fixtures and commercial appearances have meant a relatively
hectic week in Queensland, Marsch granted the squad a day off on Monday and
many of the players were spotted out and about in Brisbane, exploring the city
with their team-mates. On Tuesday morning Leif Davis gave Jack Harrison a lift
around the city centre on a hired e-scooter, as Pascal Struijk rode around on
another of Brisbane’s electric-powered vehicles.
Even in the first few days of the tour in Gold Coast, when
free time was at a premium, the squad enjoyed beach strolls, dips in the sea
and a surfing session together.
On Tuesday they fly to Perth to begin the final leg of the
two-week tour and will once again be put to work in training and in public
events with supporters present, before taking on Crystal Palace in the final
game.
There's clearly an element of relief for Bamford that the
players Victor Orta and Marsch have brought to the club have not upset the
apple cart in the dressing room, first and foremost.
"They're top lads," he said.
"I think the most important thing with any new
signings, and we've got a fair few, is that they're good lads and fit into the
group. It doesn't matter how good a player you are, if you're not a good lad,
if you're a bad egg, then it doesn't quite fit. But all of these lads are top
guys and they fit in seamlessly.
"I think this trip is really important for them as well
because you do get to know them better. But as I said, they're proper good lads
and I think we're going to enjoy playing with them."
Fitting in and finding a place in the squad outside of the
day job was the first key task for Kristensen, Adams and co according to
Bamford, and with that ticked off, they can concentrate on ensuring they fit in
on the pitch as well. For some it won’t be as challenging, given their history
with Marsch and the understanding of his system that they bring with him to
Leeds.
But regardless, on that front Bamford insists there is no
rush for the new boys.
"There's no pressure on them," he said.
"You know, obviously, some of them because they're good
players. I think the most important thing was fitting in to the group.
"They've done that so then they take as much as time as
they need to bed in football wise."
