Kalvin Phillips explains how Leeds fans could be reason for poor start to 21/22 season

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Kalvin Phillips has told Football Focus that the return of Leeds United fans could be the reason for the club’s poor start – because they are so loud.

Leeds have failed to pick up a win in their first six Premier League wins, losing late on to West Ham at Elland Road on Saturday afternoon.

However, the Yorkshire outfit have now faced three of last season’s top six in the Hammers, Liverpool and Manchester United. A tricky start.

Just three points are on the board after stalemates with Everton, Burnley and Newcastle. The Whites suffered defeat in the others, conceding 10.

Speaking about the start to the season, Phillips suggested the incredible noise generated by Leeds fans actually proves to be a detriment.

“Last year was a weird year,” Phillips told Football Focus. “The fact there was no fans. A lot of our game revolves around communication.

“We were speaking in the changing room you need to hear each other and speak to each other, but when the fans are so loud, it’s impossible.

“Obviously we’re not blaming the fans, but last year, it was a lot easier to make people aware of where they need to be and what they need to do.”

Phillips on Leeds fans: A concern, as Whites prepare to host Watford?

It is an interesting take from the Euro 2020 finalist and 17-time England international. Leeds are obviously incredibly based around tactics.

So, it makes sense that communication is key in terms of keeping the system flowing, in terms of positioning and organising the high press.

It is a concern. Leeds fans will be expecting the club to get the first win on Saturday when the Whites host newly-promoted Watford.

It presents the club’s best chance this season to get a win. The noise will be enormous once again, but that noise might end up being their own enemy.

What Phillips might not have taken into account, is that the noise of the Leeds fans brings the best out of some players – drives them on further.