Kalvin Phillips hails Leeds’ 2025/26 form, recalls Marcelo Bielsa and praises 49ers progress | OneFootball

Kalvin Phillips has hailed Leeds United’s Premier League return, calling their second half surge and 14th-place finish incredible while reaffirming his bond with the club. According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the Manchester City midfielder spoke alongside Patrick Bamford at Elland Road during England’s game against Ghana.

Daniel Farke’s side began well, rode out a mini slump and then pulled clear with a strong run in the second half of the season. Performances arguably merited more, but survival was the aim for a newly promoted team.

The Leeds-born midfielder, a key figure under Marcelo Bielsa when Leeds secured a top-10 finish, left for City in a £42m move. He said he still feels the same connection as supporters, admitted he only relaxed once safety was secured with three games left, and noted Leeds were seventh for second-half form.

He praised 49ers Enterprises and chairman Paraag Marathe, saying ownership changes have brought progression. While Leeds went down in 2023, Phillips lifted the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup, then had loans at West Ham, Ipswich Town and Sheffield United.

An Achilles problem ruined the start of his 2025/26 season and delayed a loan, then a January switch to Bramall Lane brought three outings before a red card and a knee injury ended his campaign in February. He called the spell short and frustrating, hopes for a good season next time, and has been linked with another stint under Chris Wilder as he enters the penultimate year of his City deal.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk