Whelan shares ‘huge’ Phillips claim ‘Leeds have to realise’
Noel Whelan has insisted Leeds United “cannot afford too many more performances” like the one against Southampton.
The former Whites hitman, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, called on backup midfielders to “take the opportunity” in the absence of “big miss” Kalvin Phillips.
Phillips was ruled out through injury as Leeds United were defeated 1-0 away from home against Southampton on Saturday.
The result means the Elland Road club have won just two of the 11 games that Phillips has missed since their promotion to the top-flight.
Mateusz Klich was deployed by Marcelo Bielsa in a more defensive role but couldn’t seize control of the midfield.
Leeds United failed to register a single shot on target at St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday, creating an expected goals figure of just 0.2 (FBRef).
Whelan claimed the Whites needed to show more “hunger” in order to succeed.
“Leeds have to realise that you cannot afford to have too many performances like that in a season,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They need to match the hunger and tenacity of others in that midfield in order to control the midfield.
“Southampton harassed us, pressed us high and forced errors in our game – we didn’t seem at it.
“Kalvin is a huge miss in the midfield, I think that stat makes that point really well.
“But the other midfield players need to take the opportunity to impress when they are given it.”
Leeds United have won just once so far in the Premier League this term.
The Yorkshire club sit 17th in the table, clear of the drop zone by three points.
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