Hometown-boy Phillips hails Bielsa as the ‘best manager in the world’

Leeds midfielder Kalvin Phillips labelled Marcelo Bielsa “the best manager in the world” as players and staff gathered at Elland Road last night to celebrate their promotion to the Premier League.

Fans may not be allowed inside football stadiums, but that did not stop Leeds supporters flocking immediately to the outside of the club’s ground as West Brom’s failure to beat Huddersfield confirmed their automatic promotion.

Owner Andrea Radrizzani had pleaded in an open letter for supporters to stay at home and celebrate safely if promotion came their way. But given they had waited 16 long years for a return to the top tier, fans started to gather and discovered their heroes were celebrating inside Elland Road.

Leeds-born Phillips came outside to bow to the fans at one stage.

Similarly, each time the players approached the windows, they were greeted with large cheers, while players’ social media feeds revealed the equally jubilant scenes going on inside.

Phillips had particular praise for his Argentinian manager, telling BBC Radio Leeds: “Marcelo Bielsa is the best manager in the world... I’m lost for words... big thanks to Huddersfield Town ... All my family are buzzing, with my granny Val cheering us on.”

Leeds captain Liam Cooper added: “Our club, our fans and our players we’ve sacrificed so much, been in the doldrums for 16 years. To be part of this team and lead this team back to where we know we’ve always belonged is unbelievable. I’m so proud of these boys, they’ve sacrificed so much, worked so hard and they deserve it.”

Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “I would like to pass on my huge congratulations to Marcelo and the team in returning Leeds United back to their rightful place in the Premier League.”

Leeds’ official social media account immediately posted to Twitter WE ARE BACK!! @Premierleague while the celebratory messages poured in from former players and opponents.

Former Leeds midfielder Vinnie Jones tweeted: “Congratulations to @LUFC a long 16 years but now back where they belong! Well done

all the players and coaching staff, Leeds will be bouncing tonight! I’m getting up there!”

Liverpool midfielder James Milner, who started his career at the club, tweeted: “Congratulations LUFC. #backwhereyoubelong,” while Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy, who worked under Bielsa at Marseille, tweeted: “LEEDS. Congratulations Marcelo & the boys. see you next year.”

Even Marcus Rashford, striker for arch-rivals Manchester United, appeared to do the same before deleting a post which had read: “As a United fan I’m happy to see Leeds United back in the Premier League. Congrats @LUFC”.

Meanwhile Lucas Radebe, who captained Leeds during their last spell in the top flight, helping them to third place in the Premier League and to the Champions

League semi-finals, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s been a long time. Leeds United fans are very special fans, they’ll never leave the club. Look when we dropped to the Championship, we still had a great following. They’ve played a massive part.

“Andrea has done miracles by bringing Bielsa on board – and actually bringing everybody that works at the club, the passion and the love – that’s what goes through the club at the moment.”

Bielsa himself did not appear to join the players at Elland Road, with footage instead showing him fist-bumping delighted fans outside his home in Wetherby. His team are back in action tomorrow against Derby, with the Championship title still up for grabs.

If they win their remaining two games, it will be their most wins in a single league season.