Patrick Bamford has shut down claims that he was critical of Jesse Marsch's tactics at Leeds United prior to the American's sacking earlier this month.
The Leeds forward vented his frustration about feeling isolated up front after their 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest, which proved to be Marsch's last game at the helm.
Bamford told reporters in his post-match interview that he wanted more runners to support him and help create space, and those comments were perceived by some as being critical towards Marsch's game plan.
However, Bamford has revealed that Marsch had instructed his teammates to help him, and that he was only conveying the frustrations voiced by Marsch in the dressing room.
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"It's a tough one really because I was never really fully fit under him. I texted him after we heard the news and said pretty much that. 'I felt sorry because you never had me fully fit' and I just wished him well," Bamford told BBC West Yorkshire.
"I actually got on well with him. The thing that annoyed [me] after the Forest game - everyone turned what I said as if I was having a go at his tactics.
"Actually what I said was exactly what he'd told us to do, we just weren't doing it and I was being more self depreciating towards my performance. That was down to me, that wasn't anything to do with Jesse.
"Contrary to the last few things in the press, I actually got on well with him and sometimes things don't work out but we were sad to see him go."
Leeds produced promising displays in their doubleheader against bitter rivals Manchester United, despite registering just one-point from a possible six.
The Whites led 2-0 at Old Trafford before goals from Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho earned the hosts a 2-2 draw. They then held the Red Devils for 80 minutes at Elland Road until two goals in quick succession from Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho condemned them to a 2-0 defeat.
Nonetheless, Bamford says caretaker boss Michael Skubala has instil a relaxed atmosphere amongst the players.
"Things have changed - the atmosphere was always good here but with Skubala it's more relaxed," Bamford added.
"Not to the point where we can get away with unnecessary things but he's just kind of taken the pressure away and put his own imprint on things. But also included the players within the discussions.
"So it's not hard and fast, 'you're doing this'. He's giving his ideas but he appreciates that we've got good players. Sometimes it's about giving them the ideas but giving them the freedom to do what they see best on the pitch."
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