BIELSA BLOWS OVER KAL CALL
ELL OF A MOOD: Bielsa wasn’t happy with losing his stars to international duty
KALVIN PHILLIPS’ Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa got all shirty after his midfield maestro’s shock England call-up.
The manager, famed for his meticulous preparation, flipped at the prospect of losing Phillips – and several other Leeds stars – for 10 days of their build-up to facing Liverpool in their Premier League opener on Saturday.
The idea that his plans for the Yorkshire club’s much-anticipated return to the elite were being disrupted by Gareth Southgate did not go down well with the Argentinian – initially, that is.
Because once he calmed down, Bielsa’s mood changed to one of pride as he gave Phillips his blessing to join up with England – and handed him an old club shirt from his playing days in Argentina, along with a written message.
Phillips, 24, who until now had never been picked at any Three Lions level, said: “The manager was pulling his hair out because quite a few of the lads were going off to internationals.
“He was thinking he didn’t have enough time to prepare for Liverpool who, obviously, are the champions.
“But once he settled down he gave me a gift – a replica Newell’s Old Boys black and red top. I’m going to get it signed, framed and put it up at home.
“There was a note as well. It said, ‘The hard work has paid off but it doesn’t stop here’ – and that he was happy for me, my grandma, mum and girlfriend.
“It was a really nice touch.”
If anything encapsulates the South American coach, considered by many – including Pep Guardiola – to be the most innovative on the planet, this episode does it.
Deemed a bit mad when it comes to his 24-7 training methods, Bielsa, 65, clearly possesses a softer, humane side that outsiders rarely see.
The fact Phillips has promised to give his first England shirt to the Elland Road supremo – as a reciprocal thank you – underlines the bond between Bielsa and his Premier League rookies.
Phillips, whose conversion from rampaging midfielder to ball-playing anchorman has resulted in his elevation into Southgate’s set-up, knows how much he owes the ex-Argentina and Chile boss.
“I’m giving my shirt to Marcelo as a trade. Everyone has a view of him but they don’t really know him,” said the Leeds-born ace.
“He’s obsessed with football and making players the best that he can. He’s done that with me in two years.
“I was surprised when he switched me from a box-to-box midfielder. But I was never going to say no because of his reputation.
“It took a good six or seven months to get used to it and learn the role, where to get the ball, where not, and to work on the defensive side.
“I think Marcelo is relieved to see his work is paying off.”
Hard to dispute that, given on Tuesday in Denmark, Phillips could fulfil his Three Lions dream.
And come Saturday, he should be at Anfield for his top-flight debut.
As for those vital missed sessions with Bielsa, all is not lost as the Leeds backroom team have been in contact over the past week.
Phillips, who has scored 12 goals in 165 league games for the club, said: “Marcelo is not sending messages but his staff are reaching out to us.
“They are asking what work we’re doing, if we feel we’re working hard and being worked hard enough.”
The relentless attention to detail from Bielsa never stops.
STEPPING UP: Phillips is in Three Lions squad