Leeds United news: Pundit suggests hidden meaning behind ‘massive’ Kalvin Phillips claim
Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch may want Kalvin Phillips to be more “vociferous” in the dressing room.
That is the view of former Premier League manager Alex McLeish, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about Marsch’s comments about Phillips, 26.
As quoted by Leeds Live (3 March), the new Whites manager claimed it is “massively important” that Kalvin Phillips takes on “a bigger role” within his side.
Phillips has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the 2-2 draw at Brentford in early December.
Leeds United have been sucked into a relegation battle and have dismissed Marcelo Bielsa in the centre-midfielder’s absence.
When asked by Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams for what a “bigger role” could entail, McLeish said:
“Phillips was playing at an exceptionally high standard before his injury. What else they can get out of him I don’t know.
“Is he a talker? Is he a leader behind the scenes? Maybe he wants him to add some little things.
“One thing I can tell you is that he is not talking about footballing reasons. It will be a mentality thing.
“Perhaps he wants him to be more vociferous with the players. Some players are quiet these days.
“I’m not sure exactly what Jesse means. One thing is for sure, it is clear Phillips has been badly missed. It was a world of pain for Bielsa when he was missing those players.”
In other news, a pundit has hailed four ‘brilliant’ Leeds United players after what he spotted at Leicester City.