‘That was my fault’: 25-year-old Leeds star holds hands up after recent incident

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Kalvin Phillips has joked to the Sunday Mirror (14/11; page 72) that he has to take the blame for the incident in Leeds United’s win over Norwich City that resulted in Raphinha bundling into Marcelo Bielsa in the technical area.

Whites fans may have felt that the game at Carrow Road had given them little to smile about.

Leeds somewhat toiled in what felt like a must-win game. They were simply unrecognisable compared to when they faced Leicester City a week later at Elland Road.

But there were a couple of moments which provided some light relief.

Of course, the goals from Raphinha and Rodrigo were the highlights. But there was also a moment in the second-half which would have made many looking on chuckle.

In a desperate attempt to keep a long pass in, Raphinha went flying towards the Leeds bench. Unfortunately, he was unable to stop himself and knocked Bielsa over.

The Leeds boss bounced straight back up. But it did appear that he did not really see the funny side and was more bothered about Raphinha getting back out onto the pitch.

What has been easily forgotten is that it was Phillips was sprayed the pass out to the Brazilian. And he admitted that he has to take some of the blame.

“That was my fault, to be honest,” he told the Sunday Mirror.

“I shanked a crossfield pass and Raphinha tried to keep it in. To be fair, Marcelo didn’t mention anything about it. It was quite funny, but I try not to say too much about it.”

Phillips and Raphinha the two Leeds players Bielsa could probably forgive

If there are two players Bielsa could forgive for being involved in such an incident, it is probably Phillips and Raphinha.

Raphinha has now seized the mantle as Leeds’ talisman. He has been electric again this term.

The Whites find life a lot more difficult whenever Raphinha is unavailable. But it is surely still the case that no player is more important to their system than Phillips.

Finding cover for the England international has been one of the few tasks that Bielsa is yet to master at Elland Road.

That said, he probably wished that Phillips’ passing had been a little better at Carrow Road.