Ex-manager tips Bielsa to conduct ‘massive’ Leeds formation shakeup after ‘huge’ blow
Alex McLeish has tipped Marcelo Bielsa to conduct a major tactical shakeup to cover the loss of Kalvin Phillips in the Leeds United starting XI.
The former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, admitted Adam Forshaw is not up to the level of the 26-year-old despite his impressive recent performances.
As confirmed on Thursday (9 December), Phillips suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-2 draw with Brentford last week.
The Telegraph (8 December) report the midfielder could be out for as long as two months, but Bielsa refused to put a timescale on his comeback.
McLeish admitted losing the England international would be a “huge blow” for Leeds.
He suggested Bielsa may have to shake things up tactically to cope with his absence.
Asked how big a blow Phillips’ injury would be for Leeds, McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Massive. I don’t want to be a prophet of doom for Leeds.
“I would like to think that they can get by and maintain their Premier League status. He is one of the massive cogs in the wheel.
“A player who holds them together and also instigates forward attacks. What’s not to like about Kalvin Phillips. The fact that he’s missing is a huge blow.
“Forshaw has been busy, he’s been at a decent level in recent weeks. However, I don’t think he’s at the level of Phillips. To hold things together when Phillips is out, it’s a big ask.
“Bielsa can now chop and change strategy, formula, formation to get results, that’s the pressure he’ll be feeling this time.”
Phillips has played 15 times across all competitions for Leeds this season.
Pascal Struijk, Mateusz Klich and Jamie Shackleton are Bielsa’s senior options to come into midfield.
In other news, Football Insider’s injury expert has delivered the lowdown on Phillips’ “extensive muscle damage” at Leeds United.