Kalvin Phillips has admitted that he will be praying that Leeds United get the results that they need to secure survival on the final day of the Premier League season.
Phillips was speaking to Sky Sports (broadcast on 21/5; 18:02) after Manchester City’s win over Chelsea on Sunday which was followed by Pep Guardiola’s men lifting the Premier League title.
Of course, Phillips was also speaking just hours after Leeds were pushed to the brink of relegation with a shambolic performance away at West Ham.
Kalvin Phillips reacts to Leeds result
Sam Allardyce’s side went into the game with their destiny in their own hands. But Leeds played like the side that had nothing left to fight for with a feeble second-half showing.
Leeds now require a remarkable turnaround to stay in the league. If Everton draw with Bournemouth, a win against Tottenham may still not be enough. And that is before you factor in that Leicester could be ahead of us by the time the final day kicks off.
Phillips was asked about Leeds after Manchester City’s victory. And he suggested that he continues to have one eye on his old side’s fortunes.
“I’ve been keeping an eye on Leeds all season to be honest. Obviously not a great result today, but I just pray to God that they get a good result in the last game and hopefully keep that great club in the Premier League,” he told Sky Sports.
It was not meant to be this way for Leeds. When Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha departed, their exits were meant to leave the club with the funds to kick on and make sure that they were not in a relegation battle for a second year running.
Money was spent poorly. And now, Leeds do not have a Phillips to protect the defensive line, or a Raphinha to produce a moment of magic against Spurs.
Unfortunately, it looks almost certain now that it will be a bittersweet year for Phillips with the midfielder confirming that he is always looking out for Leeds.