Patrick Bamford explains what he told Georginio Rutter at half-time during Leeds’ triumph.
It is difficult to say exactly what transpired on Friday night. For the most part of 80 minutes, Leeds appeared to be heading for a humiliating defeat that would have ended any remaining hopes of a title push. But Connor Roberts’ goal with 10 minutes of normal time left appeared to change everything. Leeds’ performance improved significantly after Daniel Farke brought on Roberts, Patrick Bamford, and Daniel James slightly sooner. Patrick Bamford says he spoke with Georginio Rutter at half-time during Leeds’ triumph. It also seemed to bring the best out of Georginio Rutter. The 21-year-old had a very awful first half. Leicester appeared to have found a technique to keep the ball from sticking to his feet. And nothing seemed to be working for Georginio. However, he was named player of the match after contributing significantly to all three Leeds goals. And, speaking to Sky Sports (broadcast on 23/2; 22:23), Patrick Bamford revealed that he spoke with the boy during the break to attempt to give him a lift. “I spoke with Georgi at halftime today; he was having a difficult first half, and I know how he is.He keeps trying no matter what, and he beats himself up a little,”he explained. “So I just told him, ‘Look, relax.Things will happen, and you will make blunders.But just make sure the following thing is a simple pass before you restart from there.” Whites were a different team in the last 15 minutes. None of Leeds’ starting front four could have complained if they had been substituted at halftime. Joel Piroe squandered some good opportunities. And neither Crysencio Summerville nor Willy Gnonto were at their best. Georginio has been fantastic this season. But he was also struggling, appearing to be far less influential in the tight spots where he typically shines. Bamford understands what it is like to experience those difficult moments....
