Leeds striker Patrick Bamford has thanked Marcelo Bielsa for the faith shown in him despite the competition from on-loan Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah.
Bamford is currently the first choice striker at Elland Road, with Nketiah still yet to start a single game in the Championship for Leeds after his season-long loan move from Arsenal.
The Whites beat off fierce competition from several clubs for Nketiah's signature in the summer but Bielsa has continued to favour Bamford as his lone striker, and the 26-year-old former Middlesbrough and Chelsea striker again started in the 2-0 win over Huddersfield on Saturday.
There has been speculation that Arsenal could recall Nketiah due to his lack of playing time and loan him to a different club, but according to reports the Gunners will allow him to remain at Leeds.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Leeds' clash against Hull on Tuesday, Bamford was asked about Nketiah and his relationship with the England under-21 international.
"Always good to have competition in all positions, it does push you on," he said.
"I know Eddie’s there if I’m not doing my job. He's saved my skin this year when I’ve missed chances.
"Had a great impact on us. Makes an impact when he comes on. If things aren’t going well he’s nice to bring on."
On Bielsa's decision to regularly select him over Nketiah, Bamford said: "I can’t thank him enough.
"Always cried out for someone to believe in me, put their belief in me. Big statement by signing me. Stuck by me, stood by me this year
"Done well when there was stick, I was still offering something else. He understands that, team-mates understand that. Can’t be more grateful."
Arsenal interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg, who worked with Nketiah at youth level, has addressed the situation, claiming he ‘feels sorry’ for him.
“I need to be careful but I think Eddie is a great player,” he said.
“If he goes on loan we want him to play football and get minutes otherwise they [loan players] can maybe be here. We want them to be on loan to get minutes.
“I feel a bit sorry for him because he is a great player and the future of this club. When he has had his chance he scores goals and that’s what he is about.”
