Kalvin Phillips discusses how life has changed under Marcelo Bielsa | OneFootball

Kalvin Phillips has had to practically re-learn football under new manager Marcelo Bielsa.

The versatile Phillips has had to be taught new positions, work harder, and study a new style under Bielsa – something that suits the Leeds native perfectly.

“I am a hard worker. I love playing for Leeds, it is my city and if I could do that for the rest of my career, I would love that.

“I’ve grown up supporting Leeds, so to come and walk out in front of 30,000 really is a dream come true and I hope I can do it for a very long time.”

The 22-year-old was shocked when he heard Bielsa would be his manager and couldn’t wait to play for him.

“It is a massive name, he has a good reputation and the lads were just excited to get back to Thorp Arch, work under him and work hard.

“That’s what we have done. The first thing we did when we came in was running and fitness work. We had to lose a certain amount of weight.”

After playing in a more advanced role last season, Phillips has had to learn a couple new roles under Bielsa.

Considering he’s the only player to play start every match for Leeds, he’s clearly made an impression on the Argentinian manager.

“Obviously I am playing in two new positions – at centre-back and at holding midfield.

“I like it, it is getting me fit and I’m concentrated on what I need to do. I’m just grateful to the head coach and his staff.

“Obviously last season I scored seven goals but I felt I could play in that position.

“I never really thought I had the full defensive qualities needed for playing there, but I have worked on them throughout the season.

“I feel I am getting better and better and I just need to keep working on it.”