Patrick Bamford on Leeds United's Christmas, Marcelo Bielsa's Thorp Arch raffle and the 'positive' vibes at Elland Road

Patrick Bamford has lifted the lid on Christmas time at Leeds United and says that the atmosphere among the first team squad is 'very positive' following a strong start to the season.

Marcelo Bielsa's outfit have acquired 17 points from 14 games so far this campaign, sitting seven points above the drop zone.

Leeds were heavily beaten 6-2 by Manchester United last time out but have started the season in good form overall, picking up five wins.

Bamford has also added to the positive feeling in West Yorkshire having scored nine goals so far this term and United's number nine says that the players have good reason to be upbeat behind closed doors.

"It's bouncing when we've had a good result," Bamford told The Official Leeds United Podcast over the atmosphere at Thorp Arch.

"Obviously the last few days have been a little bit quiet after the [Manchester] United result.

"Generally this season I think the atmosphere around the place has been brilliant. I think the boys kind of feel more at home in the Premier League after the way we have started.

"I know we have been up and down but we're in a good place and we've showed we can compete. It's very positive in dull times, so to speak."

The Whites host Burnley on Sunday lunchtime (12:00) in the top flight before a little over 48 hours later travelling to West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night (18:00).

It will be a swift turnaround for Bielsa's men, especially with their full throttle style of play.

"It is kind of hard playing the back to back games," he continued.

"I imagine if you asked me the question on the 29th or 30th I'd be a little be worse off.

"I don't think we've ever played two games back to back, normally that second day is like a second day of recovery so it will be strange.

Asked about what he was looking forward to over the festive period, he said: "I would say eating Christmas dinner but we're regimented here. We have to watch our weight for the next day!

"The family are coming up for Christmas Day and then going back so I'll be watching everyone enjoy themselves.

"I'll still eat Christmas dinner but I have to be a little bit careful how much I eat so I might have to skip out on the pudding.

"I think we have murderball Christmas Eve, training Christmas Day morning and then again Boxing Day morning. We'll meet up in the hotel Boxing Day night."

Bamford also revealed the ins and outs of Marcelo Bielsa's raffle that the head coach holds for the staff at the club's training ground over the festive period.

"They all get a ticket with numbers on," Bamford said.

"It's not for the players but more for the staff round the training ground.

"People in the kitchen, people who work in the offices, the groundsman - they all get chance to win something.

"I think it was last year the kitman won a car. It was a Golf or a Fiat.

"I don't know if he [Bielsa] bought it himself but I'm presuming so because he does the raffle. Us players don't play any part in it but he does it all for the staff to keep them all included."