Marcelo Bielsa has been hailed as the best manager in the world by Kalvin Phillips after leading Leeds back into the Premier League after 16 years.
Leeds’ return to the top flight for the first time since 2004 was confirmed when West Brom lost to Huddersfield and Phillips says huge credit must go to Bielsa.
The Argentinian has transformed Leeds since arriving two years ago and Phillips says he would not want to play under any other coach.
“It’s crazy,” said the Leeds-born midfielder. “I never thought when the manager first came in, I never thought I’d be in this position two years down the line.
“The manager is a massive part of that, the coaching staff is a massive part of that.
“He’s the best manager in the world, there’s no other manager I’d rather play under than Marcelo Bielsa right now.
“He’s the perfect manager to have. I’m just lost for words, I can’t really speak.”
Phillips also thanked Leeds’ West Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield for helping them over the line and he is relishing playing in the Premier League.
“I never thought I would be a Huddersfield supporter for one day, but today was the day,” he said. “A lot of thanks to Huddersfield for doing the job. I’m just very happy right now.
“The Premier League is the biggest football league in the world, you’re playing the biggest clubs and we’re back there.
“Sixteen years we’ve been waiting for this to happen. I’m just so happy.”
Leeds legend Eddie Gray claims promotion is a fitting tribute to greats Jack Charlton, Norman Hunter and Trevor Cherry, who have died since lockdown.
“I think promotion is great for the memories of the players who’ve gone,” he said. “It’s so fitting that the club has now won promotion.”
