Phillips issues ‘incredible’ Leeds claim as Bielsa down to only eight players
Marcelo Bielsa must work on making Leeds United “harder to break down” ahead against Arsenal as their injury crisis escalates, according to Kevin Phillips.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Whites were lacking in “experience and leadership” in their defeat against Man City.
Injury-hit Leeds fell to a heavy 7-0 defeat away at Man City on Tuesday (14 December).
Speaking after the match, as quoted by Leeds Live, Bielsa insisted he takes “absolute responsibility” for the result – branding the performance the “worst for four years”.
Phillips suggested the Whites were feeling the absence of experienced stars Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper.
But things could get worse before they get better for Leeds.
Football Insider exclusively revealed earlier today (17 December) that only eight Whites first-teamers took part in first-team training yesterday.
“When the manager comes out and says he’ll take full blame it doesn’t matter what you have or haven’t been told to do,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“You’re up against Man City, first and foremost, who are an incredible side.
“Leeds United are in a bad run of form. When you’ve been told to do something and it’s not working – that’s where you need experience and leadership to solve the problem on the pitch.
“They needed to change it – shut up shop and become harder to break down. Luke Ayling and Diego Llorente have experience, of course.
“But you imagine if Phillips and Cooper were in that side, they would have been able to cope better.
“It’s a crushing defeat. Bielsa needs to look at making Leeds a bit harder to break down in the next game, that’s important.”
Leeds are scheduled to face Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa before the end of the year.
Pascal Struijk and Patrick Bamford are also missing through injury.
In other news, injury expert reveals when Bamford will be back for Leeds United.