Kalvin backed to stand the heat
BIELSA: EUROS STAR STAYS COOL DESPITE ‘INFLUENCER’ STATUS
By
MARCELO BIELSA once again lavished praise on England star Kalvin Phillips after continuing to rubbish rumours of a bust-up.
Phillips’ half-time withdrawal during the midweek win over Crystal Palace had led to suggestions of a falling out between the pair – which the player quickly moved to deny.
Leeds boss Bielsa reiterated that and once again highlighted Phillips’ importance ahead of today’s clash with Brentford.
“Kalvin has obtained a prestige that allows him to have a bigger influence in games,” Bielsa said.
“His rivals and team-mates perceive that capacity to influence, and he’s improved a lot with his interpretations of moments of the game.
“He knows the solutions that the game demands and has matured a lot in the interpretation of what’s happening and taking the best solution.
“Kalvin is at a very, very high level and has showed that the responsibility doesn’t inhibit him, but improves him.
“To be a star of a team that reached the finals of the Euros, where they lost on penalties, to belong to that collective, is very difficult.”
Brentford have followed Leeds’ example in adapting quickly to the Premier League, collecting 16 points from their first 14 games to climb into mid-table.
Speaking of the challenges that come following promotion, Bielsa added: “The Championship is a very passionate tournament, but it’s very difficult to make every game you play in that league accessible.
“You look at the results from every weekend and you see unexpected victories and defeats.
“After, to compete in the Premier League is a difficulty that’s superior because all of the teams, apart from organisation, have great players.
“The mental demands to play in the Premier League are very, very high and to maintain that attention is difficult. To be good is not difficult, but to show it for nine months continuously is.
“And, individually, to use a high proportion of the qualities that you have is also a great challenge.”