'Bang on every time' - Leeds United's Patrick Bamford has say on 'spygate' under Marcelo Bielsa
Leeds United’s ex-manager caused controversy during the “Spygate” saga
Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has said Marcelo Bielsa’s infamous “spygate” tactics worked wonders in finding out opposition team’s line-ups during the popular Argentinian’s tenure at Elland Road. The Whites won promotion to the Premier League back in 2020.
The Yorkshire outfit ended up spending three years in the top flight before slipping back into the Football League in 2022. They are now eyeing their return under Daniel Farke.
When asked about “spygate” on BBC Five Live Sport, Leeds’ Bamford has shared this insight, as per X: “When it came out about Spygate, obviously we never knew if he’d (Bielsa) done it before, whether that was the first time or whether that was just when we got caught. We had to ask about and find out what was actually going on. I don’t think Frank (Lampard) took it too well but I kid you not, every line-up when we were doing the meetings the night before the game was bang on every time. I think was normal back in Brazil or Argentina.”
A representative from the Whites was spotted at the training ground of Derby County. Frank Lampard was in charge of the Rams at the time.
Bielsa admitted that he had spied on other teams and said in 2019 after the event, via a translator: “I observed all the rivals we played against and watched the training sessions of all opponents. So why did I send someone to watch them (Derby County)? Just because I thought I wasn’t violating the norm.
“All the information I need to clarify [my tactics] I gather without watching the training session of the opponent … but we feel guilty if we don’t work enough. Watching it [the opponents training] allows us to have less anxiety and, in my case, I am stupid enough to allow this kind of behaviour.”
He added: “I’m going to make it easier for the EFL investigation. My behaviour is observed from the most extreme position. By doing this I respect the possible sanctions by the authorities.
“I don’t want to make it easier for me by attacking others. Regarding what I’ve done it is not illegal. It’s not specified, described or restrained. It’s not seen as a good thing but it is not a violation of the law. Although not illegal it’s not necessarily the right thing to do. But the wrong things you do are not done with bad intention or an intention to cheat.
“If you observe something without authorisation we call it spying. I’m going to try and explain I did not have bad intentions. I did not try to get an unfair sporting advantage but I did it because it was not illegal or violating specific laws. But I have to adapt to the habits of English football.”
Bamford remains at Leeds and was a key player during Bielsa’s spell in charge. He has worked with a fair few managers now during his time with his current club and his contract expires in 2026.