Here are your Leeds United evening headlines for Tuesday, September 28.
Fans encouraged by Phillips’ Leeds stance
Kalvin Phillips is once again the subject of interest from one of the Premier League’s ‘Big six’ as Manchester United become the most recent team to be linked with the midfielder.
The Whites reportedly opened contract talks with the England regular earlier this month but there have been no further updates.
Although, supporters will be able to take encouragement from what his agent, Kevin Shar, had to say during the summer.
“Before Kalvin signed his last contract, we had good interest so we sat down and explored all the pros and cons,” he claimed. “His desire was never to leave, it was to be rewarded and stay and play for the team he supported as a kid
“There may be clubs who are actually looking at Kalvin now because the more successful you are – playing for England in big tournaments – naturally breeds interest.
“But Kalvin is happy at Leeds and has no desire to move whatsoever. It’s more a case of ‘carry on what you’re doing for club and country’.”
Read the full story here.
Robinson defends Leeds defender
It was another tough afternoon for Leeds newbie Junior Firpo against West Ham and he was the subject of some strong criticism from Micah Richards on Match of the Day.
The former Manchester City right-back highlighted the Spaniard’s lack of positional awareness as Jarrod Bowen’s equaliser deflected off him and past Illan Meslier.
Former Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson has been quick to defend Firpo.
“It’s difficult to settle into the Premier League,” he said. “The criticism is harsh, I don’t think he deserves as much criticism because it’ll take him time to settle into the system.
“I don’t think he’s played poorly. I like him offensively but defensively it might take him some time to fit in. But he’s coming into a team that isn’t playing particularly well and isn’t known for defensive solidity.
Premier League prediction
Some Leeds fans are beginning to sound the panic alarm with Marcelo Bielsa’s side yet to win a Premier League match so far this term.
Despite the slow start to the campaign, Kevin Campbell refuses to believe that they will be in any kind of relegation trouble come the end of the season.
“Look, the second season is always the most difficult for a club like Leeds,” the former Arsenal striker told Football Insider. “Last season teams didn't know what it’s like to play against them. Teams can scheme against them now and that is why life is a lot more difficult for them.
“I wouldn’t say Leeds and relegation in the same sentence at the moment, definitely not. They have too much quality in their team. To tell you the truth, I really think they will be alright. One thing we know about them is that they go right to the end. They have great team spirit. When the winter schedule begins I think they will start picking up points. The way they play will stretch quite a few teams.”
