Bielsa brought to Leeds a formation and style of play that was pivotal to the skill set Phillips already had. Yes he’s brought out the best in Phillips and he’s developed him further but coaches before Bielsa still all saw something in him. I think someone on here said Phillips will be an England player when we had Monk here and LL laughed. Bielsa had one preseason, we came out against Stoke and Derby and looked world beaters. Bielsa picked players playing to their strengths, he couldn’t possibly transform an entire team ability wise with 6 weeks of coaching, he couldn’t improve every player five fold in such a short time. Some of the players have continued to improve while others have stood still because they are at their maximum ability. If Bielsa had the ability to turn a useless player into a world beater then we’d be top of the league, I think you’ll find Phillips was already the player he was and Bielsa recognised it and played to his strengths. We’ve had Dan James more than six weeks, if Bielsa made Phillips then he’d have that same ability to have made James a striker by now
It actually took Bielsa two full seasons to improve our championship players into fairly competent PL players and Bamford & Phillips have gone on to become full England internationals. Marcelo has always stated it's the hard work and dedication of the players that has brought them their deserved success and never once has he sought any credit whatsoever for their improvement. Obviously just a strange coincidence that they were all underachieving before his arrival.
I think you’ll find Garry Monk set the ball rolling, interesting comments regarding Phillips under Monk https://insidefutbol.com/2016/12/26...ressed-with-garry-monks-coaching-team/318843/ 2016 Phillips, who struggled for game time last season, has been a revelation in midfield this season and has been one of the most improved players under Monk and his backroom staff.
Ayling was also on the fringe if England at the same time Bamford was showing Ayling however said he doubts he would get picked because of his age and we all saw how many RBs Southgate was picking. Klich made the Polish squad and is now a regular starter. Alioski made it, a very young McCalmont made the full NI squad and countless academy products represented their age groups on the International stage Cooper selected, Struijk wanted by 2 countries even Roberts went to Wales
All I'm saying Ristac is that some fans at the time weren't too impressed when Viera was sold and would have rather Philips had of been sold instead. I agree that he suits how Bielsa plays, but if he leaves will he be played the same way in another team.
If he’s not he will probably look garbage for the money, a bit like us signing a left winger and playing him as a striker.
The rush to judgement I'm reading is crazy. Why not wait until we get Bamford back and see how we are then? Joffy is a very exciting prospect but he doesn't replace Paddy. I see him as an impact sub at the moment. I think we'll be a completely different prospect with Paddy back leading the line. I didn't see the Philips interview from last week but whatever will be will be. He's probably as fed up as we all are that we're hovering just above the relegation places but a couple of wins and I think the mood will improve. The problem with him is that if he gets frustrated in a match he can get himself sent off. I firmly believe that our forwards will be better with Paddy back so I'm waiting patiently. It was a good point on Sunday and we could have stolen it near the end but for a couple of good saves. Brighton look a decent side, especially if they had a goal scorer.
Phillips after tonight’s win… Lots of talk about me and the manager falling out, I don’t usually comment but I need to put this to bed as it’s been building up on social media, it’s not the case, I totally respect the manager, I’ll play anywhere for Bielsa if he tells me to play in goal I’d go in goal for him…Phillips repeated three times it’s nonsense, he wants the fans to know it’s nonsense, there haven’t even been words spoken.
He hasn't been our best MF in the last 2 games. Someone said Forshaw reminded them of Batty. I always thought Batty would win the ball for us then give it to McAllister. I think Forshaw is a link player. He breaks up play, nicks the ball then pings it to someone in space. I don't know what his passing stats are but he doesn't miss many and he seems to have good composure which many of our lot are lacking. He still can't hit a barn door though. I think him and Kalvin work well together.