Patrick Bamford believes that continuity will be crucial for Leeds United's upcoming campaign as the club prepare to face Manchester United Down Under.
The Whites striker is one of the 16-man squad that has landed in Australia for the club's two-match pre-season tour which kicks off with a clash against the Red Devils on Wednesday.
This will be Leeds' third match of the summer following last week's wins over York City and Guiseley and comes after Marcelo Bielsa committed to another season in West Yorkshire last month.
That means Bielsa will become the first Leeds boss to start consecutive season in charge for almost a decade and Bamford sees this as a huge positive.
“Continuity is really crucial, it’s difficult to achieve anything if there’s chopping and changing,” Bamford told The World Game .
“It took a bit of time to get used to his ideas and the fact we’ve had a season under him, and he’s shaped us into the mould he likes, will make it easier for us to push on again.
“You have to be very fit (to play for him) and you have to be mentally strong and focused. We work on that every day.”
United kick off their tour of Australia with a highly-anticipated clash with arch-rivals Manchester United, the first meeting between the two clubs since 2011.
With a rich history connecting Australia and the Whites, Bamford believes the two clubs’ arrival can only be positive for the development of football Down Under.
“I think when teams like Manchester United and ourselves come here it can only help the game grow,” he added.
“Maybe it will convert a few more Australians to the game, which can only be a good thing.
“I do remember Viduka well but for me when I think of Australians in the Premier League Tim Cahill comes to mind because that’s from the more recent past.”
Leeds will jet out to face Western Sydney Wanderers following Wednesday night's match in Perth.
LeedsLive are present Down Under and will give you full, comprehensive coverage of the complete tour.
