Whelan makes ‘huge’ Phillips claim after what he’s heard at Leeds
Kalvin Phillips dismissing rumours of a bust-up with Marcelo Bielsa is “really important” to morale at Leeds United, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the bonds are as “strong as ever” at Elland Road despite a turbulent period of results.
Speaking to the Daily Mail last Saturday (24 December), Phillips, 26, insisted rumours of a bust-up between him and Bielsa are “nonsense”.
The midfielder, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, said the Argentine has “given him so much”.
Whelan suggested the “support network” at Leeds United is still intact despite the Whites’ poor form.
“It’s huge to hear that from Kalvin,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“The support network is still firmly intact. Mr Radrizzani to the manager, all the way down to the players – they’re all 100% behind each other.
“Sometimes you can jump on the bandwagon, call for the heads of the manager or the players because they’re not good enough – but that isn’t the case with Leeds at the moment.
“It has been a turbulent time in terms of results, but that has come as a result of some really horrible injuries and bad luck.
“You can’t say that missing nine first-teamers won’t make a difference, because it will. Even if it’s two or three, their absences will be felt.
“The players are fully behind the manager. For someone with the stature of Kalvin to come out and put these rumours to bed will be really important. The bonds in that team and in the club are as strong as ever.”
Phillips has made 12 Premier League appearances for Leeds United this term.
The Whites sit 16th in the top flight.
In other news, Leeds United favourite tipped to agree release clause deal in contract talks.