Kalvin Phillips insists ‘he would never fall out’ with Marcelo Bielsa

Both Phillips and Bielsa have quashed rumours that the pair may have fallen out

Kalvin Phillips has played down suggestions that he has fallen out with Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa - insisting that he has 'so much' respect for his manager. Phillips was substituted at half-time in Leeds' 0-0 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, after playing in a less-familiar centre-back position. After the game, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed that 'something was not right with the pair', whereas Bielsa stated the decision to withdraw the England international was purely tactical. The Argentine then further backed up his claim, labelling Phillips as an 'idol' of the club in the run-up to Leeds' game against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night. A late Raphinha penalty secured a vital three points for Leeds at Elland Road, but after the game, questions were still asked about an alleged rift between Phillips and Bielsa. This time it was the turn of the midfielder to quash the suggestions, stating that he has huge admiration for his manager. https://twitter.com/primevideosport/status/1465809675396554757 "I respect him so much, I would never fall out with him," he told Amazon Prime.

"When people are saying that, you kind of get the fans thinking something's not right, but that's not the case so I just want to put that one to bed.

"It's never been the case and I wanted to put that to bed."

The 25-year-old went on to add that he would be willing to play in any position asked of him for the benefit of the team.

He said: "I will play any position the manager asks me.

"If he wants me to play centre-back I will play centre-back, if he wants me to play goalkeeper I'll play goalkeeper.

"As long as I am playing, I'm not bothered."

Related links:

• Marcelo Bielsa dismisses suggestions of rift with ‘Leeds idol’ Kalvin Phillips