LIVE
...

Follow us on

News

Jesse Marsch says he’s really going to ‘challenge’ 26-year-old Leeds player soon

Leeds United Training Session
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images

New Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has delivered his verdict on Kalvin Phillips.

The Whites changed managers this week after Marcelo Bielsa was shown the door following their defeat to Tottenham last weekend.

Marsch is the chosen one and it will not be easy for him to win the fans over as many are still upset to see the back of their Argentine hero who helped them return to the Premier League.

One of Marsch’s priorities in the coming weeks will be to get his key players back and Phillips is definitely one of them.

Jesse Marsch: I want to challenge Kalvin Phillips to take a bigger role

Phillips’ injury has been a massive blow for Leeds United. It is arguably one of the biggest reasons why they’ve been so poor this season.

The 26-year-old, who starred for England at Euro 2020 last summer, will instantly improve Leeds once he returns from his injury.

Marsch already has a plan in place for him and he has vowed to demand a lot more from the midfielder to make him better.

Asked about the leaders that have stood out in the squad, he named the Englishman and said in his press conference today, as per : “(I want to) challenge Phillips to take a bigger and bigger role. Get him healthy.”

Leeds United v Brentford - Premier League
Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

TBR View:

Kalvin Phillips is arguably Leeds United’s best player and when he is fit and available, the Whites look so much more balanced than they are without him.

The 26-year-old hasn’t played a game since November and Leeds have won just twice in the league during his absence. That tells you everything you need to know about his importance to the side.

It will be interesting to see how Phillips will fare in Marsch’s system when he comes back.

What will be more interesting is if he’ll still be a Leeds player in the summer. A number of clubs will surely be keeping an eye on him and with Bielsa now gone, he may decide to move on as well.

FBL-EURO-2020-2021-MATCH07-ENG-CRO
Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images