Phillips points finger at Leeds individuals after Beren Cross identifies ‘problem’
Marcelo Bielsa is not to blame for Leeds United’s frailties from set pieces, according to Kevin Phillips.
The 2000 European Golden Shoe winner, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, instead pointed the finger at individuals in the Whites team.
Leeds United drew 1-1 with Wolves yesterday thanks to a stoppage time penalty from Rodrigo.
On Thursday, Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross admitted set piece defending is “a problem which has never gone away” for Bielsa’s side.
Leeds conceded more goals from set plays than any other side in the Premier League last season (15) and have conceded two so far this term. (WhoScored)
When asked by Football Insider who was to blame for such frailties, Phillips said: “I am old school in my thoughts on this.
“The players have to take responsibility.
“You can do all of the coaching in the world on set plays, believe me. I know for a fact that players lose concentration after 10 minutes of training on set pieces. The amount of times you have to shout at them and tell them, ‘This is important. We need to concentrate.’
“Set plays are such an important part of the game. You can win and lose games on them.
“Bielsa is not to blame because they will have done their work on the training ground. It is also written on the board before the game who you are marking.
“It comes down to the individuals for me. They need to take responsibility. You cannot let your man go.
“It is down to the players, as simple as that. I take all blame away from the manager.”
In other news, Leeds United have been tipped to complete a new striker signing in January after confirmed news.