Bielsa dismisses rift with Liverpool-linked Phillips after half-time substitution

Phillips, England men's Player of the Year after starring at Euro 2020, has endured a tough spell since returning to boyhood club Leeds.

The 25-year-old featured in every game as Gareth Southgate's Three Lions marched to the summer's final, but things haven't been so easy back at Elland Road.

The team have found themselves in a relegation battle a season after returning to the Premier League, sitting 17th in the table after taking just 12 points from their opening 13 matches.

A series of injuries have hampered the team's progress, and it's recently resulted in midfield metronome Phillip being deployed at centre-back, only to be substituted at half-time against Brighton last time out.

Bielsa openly explained why he made the swap for Dutchman Pascal Struijk, and praised Phillips for his commitment to the club.

"That doesn't mean I was correct, but I did what I thought was best," Bielsa explained. "But in no way does that mean that there's a difficulty with anyone.

"It's never good for a player or for a team to think that the positions are immovable and that the hierarchies that are within a team can't be altered ever.

"Kalvin Phillips is an idol for the Leeds United fans, he's a popular property with a lot of affection and we all have the obligation to look after the feeling that unites a fan with a team.

"He opted to stay with Leeds when he could have left when we were in the Championship. He cleared up what his position was when asked about moving to the best teams in the Premier League, saying sincerely he wouldn't accept any offers.

"So what I'm saying is due to his performances and his position, with respect to his club Leeds, the position Kalvin occupies is completely deserved."

Phillips' performances for Leeds as well as England have seen him linked with transfers to teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool, and being played out of position could further complicate matters.

talkSPORT host Ally McCoist expressed sympathy for Phillips over having to change positions, but expects things are being blown out of proportion in terms of a rift with Bielsa.

"I don't know whether it was an emergency situation but I can see it from both sides," McCoist said. "Sometimes needs must and you have to play out of position.

"Guys like Kalvin Phillips in particular who play the game the way you like to see it played, totally committed, I would think would play anywhere for Leeds United.

"I think we're probably delving a little bit into things, looking for things that aren't there.

"If there's a problem it's probably because he knows that's not his best position and he'd rather not play there, but in terms of looking a little bit deeper and saying is there a problem between the two of them, I'm not so sure there is."

Leeds next Premier League meeting comes at home to Crystal Palace, with Bielsa hoping to increase the three point gap between his side and the bottom three.

Legendary midfielder Patrick Vieira will be standing in the way though, and Bielsa had special praise for the former Arsenal captain's work in the dugout.

"He's changed the style of the team without too many signings," Bielsa explained. "It's a team that is solvent, with careful management of the ball and with clear positive results.

"Obviously the function of a coach is for the team to play as he desires. It's admirable how deeply he's been able to install his ideas at Crystal Palace."