Here is your Leeds United morning digest for Friday, July 10.
Marcelo Bielsa's promotion verdict
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has stated that his side will not lose focus on the task at hand as they edge closer towards promotion to the Premier League.
A 5-0 drubbing of relegation-threatened Stoke City put Leeds just seven points shy of promotion, which could be secured as early as next week.
However, Bielsa refuses to get ahead of himself and believes the result on Thursday evening will not necessarily affect their upcoming matches.
"Every match is a new story. What happened in the previous game is not definitive for the next one. Safety and confidence are not linked 100 per cent with the previous result," he said after the match.
Read everything Bielsa had to say here.
Beckford's message to Bamford
Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has shared the message he issued Patrick Bamford ahead of the clash with Stoke City.
With Bamford being criticised for his return in front of goal, Beckford told him after the win against Blackburn Rovers to be more selfish.
That seemed to have an effect has Bamford found the net and put in a starring performance against Stoke, with Beckford revealing his message after the game.
“Marcelo Bielsa wants a selfless striker. He wants players who are gonna work for the team, not necessarily for themselves. I briefly had a chat with him after the Blackburn game, and I said to him, ‘I’m not gonna take anything away from what you’re being told or taught, but be a little bit more selfish’."
Javier Mascherano comments on Stoke win
Javier Mascherano hailed Leeds United on Twitter as they secured a 5-0 win over Stoke City to retain their place at the top of the Championship.
The former Barcelona man was impressed by the Whites performance and, posting on social media in Spanish, issued his verdict.
"Leeds’ first goal gave reassurance to a team that, until then, played with the weight of the results of the day,” Mascherano wrote on Twitter. “The second half is being the recognizable team that led him to be the leader of the championship.
“Great goal by Pablo Hernandez. Very important victory to send a message to your pursuers!!!”
