KALVIN PHILLIPS: I LOVE PLAYING FOR LEEDS

KALVIN PHILLIPS: I LOVE PLAYING FOR LEEDS

We catch up with Kalvin Phillips.

Many things have changed for Kalvin Phillips since the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa as the club’s head coach, including his position. 

Phillips is the only player to have started every game so far this season and speaking in the official matchday programme, he told us about the campaign so far...


How do you feel you’ve adapted to your new deeper role in the team? 

“I feel like I have done well, obviously I am playing in two new positions at centre-back and centre-midfield.  I like it, it is getting me fit and I’m concentrated on what I need to do.  I’m just grateful to the head coach and his staff.”

 

Were you surprised when you were told you’d be playing in a deeper role?

“Not really, obviously last season I scored seven goals but I felt I could play in that position.  I never really thought I had the full defensive qualities needed for playing there, but I have worked on them throughout the season.  I feel I am getting better and better and I just need to keep on working at it.”

 

You must be pleased with how your season has gone so far, excelling in that position too...

“I think I have done reasonably well.  I have played in every game which is good and I am staying fit as well- touch wood.  I’m just looking to try and play as many games as possible and try and help get Leeds back into the Premier League where the club belongs.”

 

You’re the only player in the squad to have started every game under Marcelo Bielsa, so that says a lot about what you have done...

“Obviously that speaks for itself, I am a hard worker.  I love playing for Leeds, it is my city and if I can do that for the rest of my life I would love it.”

 

There are full houses at Elland Road nearly every week now, what is it like playing here?

“It is amazing.  I’m from Leeds and I’ve always known what the crowds are like.  It is just an honour for me to pull on the White shirt every week and play in front of them.  There are not many fans that you get who travel both home and away.  The numbers away from home are ridiculous and we just want to reward them by getting back to the Premier League.”

 

What’s it like when you being a hometown lad, being on the pitch having the support behind you?

“I’ve grown up watching and supporting Leeds, so to come and walk out in front of 30,000 really is a dream come true and I hope I can do it for a very long time."

 

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