Phil Hay: Kalvin Phillips seemed frustrated during Leeds United v Brighton
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips seemed frustrated or confused in the goalless draw against Brighton on Saturday, according to Phil Hay.
The Athletic journalist, who was in attendance at the Amex Stadium, claims that the 25-year-old did not seem himself during the game and was withdrawn by Marcelo Bielsa.
Phillips started in a back three and was taken off by the Argentine during the break, which was a decision that surprised many watching the game.
Hay wrote, “I thought his body language said he was confused or frustrated by the switching about yesterday. Bielsa obviously felt the need to withdraw him.”
Not on the same page
Whether or not there’s a rift between Bielsa and Phillips is not known, but they’re clearly not seeing eye to eye on a few things.
The Argentine seems to believe that playing the England international as a sweeper is the best thing, while the player himself appears more accustomed to playing in a midfield position.
One cannot fault Phillips for thinking that as he’s been exceptional in that role over the last two seasons for his club and even for the Three Lions since he made his debut under Gareth Southgate.
Injuries have led to Bielsa altering his system and Phillips has been the player whose role seems to have changed the most.
If Leeds were winning and dominating games, he possibly would not have had a problem, but the results aren’t how they should be.
A transition back to the system from last season could see the Whites play a more assertive brand of football and control games a lot more than they do currently.
In other Leeds United news, a local journalist has shared what Kalvin Phillips did at full-time v Brighton amid an injury scare