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Kalvin Phillips has paid tribute to Marcelo Bielsa following Leeds United’s decision to part company with their manager.
Leeds confirmed on Sunday that Bielsa had left the club in the wake of Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham.
That loss came on the back of a 6-0 hammering at Liverpool, a 4-2 defeat to Manchester United and a 3-0 reverse at fellow strugglers Everton.
Indeed, Leeds have lost five of their last six Premier League games since beating West Ham in January and conceded 20 goals in the top flight across their five games in February – the most in a month by a top-flight side in England overall since Newcastle in April 1986 (21) – leaving them only two points above the relegation zone.
Phillips was a crucial figure for Leeds across Bielsa’s first three seasons at the club, with his ability to anchor the midfield enabling the Whites to flood forward in attack as they gained promotion to the Premier League and secured a ninth-place finish in 2020-21.
Only four players made more appearances in all competitions under Bielsa than Phillips (131), who posted to Twitter: “Thank you Marcelo for everything you have done for me.
“You saw in me what I didn’t even see in myself. You helped me grow as a player but most importantly as a person.
“Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. Gracias Marcelo. Vamos Leeds Carajo!!”
Phillips’ neat passing and ability to switch the play was another key facet for Bielsa, with the England international achieving over 80 per cent passing accuracy across his three full seasons under the Argentine, while also winning over 50 per cent of his duels in each of those campaigns.
However, his influence has been sorely missed this season, with the 26-year-old – who has been linked with a move away from his boyhood club – hampered by injury.
Phillips has featured just 15 times for Leeds this term and has not featured since December due to a thigh problem. He is due back next month, and is sure to be key to the Whites’ survival hopes under a new coach.
Patrick Bamford has also endured an injury ravaged campaign, with the striker – who netted 17 league goals last season – making just six top-flight appearances.
“Thank you, the man who changed everything for everyone,” Bamford posted to Instagram.
Raphinha, who has been Leeds’ standout performer this season and has been linked with Liverpool and Bayern Munich, wrote “thank you very much Marcelo, for everything,” on his official Instagram account.
