It’s clear from the get go at Leeds United that Marcelo Bielsa was excellent with his man management.
Bielsa’s reign at Leeds always came across as positive on the whole until his sacking in 2022.
During his time he taught some excellent skills but Liam Cooper said Bielsa galvanised Leeds showing truly how much of an impact the Argentine had in four seasons.
He didn’t give much away from a character point of view but Bielsa’s man management skills were off the charts.
He managed to turn Pablo Hernandez into a star at Leeds, and he transformed Kalvin Phillips, but not at Leeds in this instance.
How Marcelo Bielsa changed Kalvin Phillips’ career away from Leeds United
His genius isn’t doubted, but to have the ability of changing someone’s career when you aren’t even coaching them is some achievement.
There’s no denying the impact the former Whites manager had on Phillips, as his £42m move to Manchester City stems from Bielsa’s work with him.
The midfielder has great admiration for the Argentine as Phillips compared Bielsa to Pep Guardiola’s nature, and the 29-year-old keeps in contact with his former boss.
This became apparent in an interview with JOE in 2023, as Phillips spoke on a time when he played for City badly, and could only call on one man for advice.
“I came on for the last 30 minutes, and I did so bad, I remember I went home and physically cried,” Phillips said.
“That’s when I decided to message Bielsa and talk to a familiar face.
“I told him how I felt and he said it’s all down to confidence, there’s no doubt you have the ability you just need to be confident in yourself.
“If you’re going to stay at Man City you have to have confidence in yourself.”
Bielsa could play his part in Phillips’ Leeds future amid interest
Phillips’ future at City looks uncertain as the 29-year-old is now on his second loan spell at Ipswich town.
This has of course lead to a possible return to the Whites for the midfielder, as this looks to Leeds’ summer transfer window saga.
Phillips has been told to join Leeds but Leeds can’t afford Phillips’ wages so it will be up to the midfielder of what is the next move.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if Bielsa helped to influence this deal as Phillips will probbaly call on him again to decide on what’s best.
Hopefully for the Whites faithful Bielsa says all the right things, and maybe one day Phillips will be back in the White of Leeds.
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