Leeds United were beaten 2-0 by Preston North End last night, with Marcelo Bielsa losing for the first time.
Leeds were beaten for the first time under Bielsa’s management yesterday, with Preston winning 2-0 at Elland Road.
Leeds went into the break two goals down, with Conor Shaughnessy ending up being hooked by Bielsa.
But the Argentine boss admits that the centre-back was unlucky to be taken off, as he felt Phillips could have been replaced, but decided the youngster was playing too well to be removed entirely.
Phillips instead switched to centre-back, with Samu Saiz playing in a more advanced role.
“We were playing with one man more, one additional man,” Bielsa explained. “I wanted to take out the midfielder and put an offensive player. So Phillips took the position of Shaughnessy. Klich took the position of Phillips, Shackleton was going to play the second half but he received a kick on his leg and he couldn’t play anymore.
“And I wanted to have two creative midfielders. We already had Baker and I put on Saiz and the three offensive players.
“I could have taken out Phillips and put in Saiz but I thought Phillips was playing very well so I thought we could take out one centre-back.”
The changes that Bielsa made helped Leeds improve, but they were unable to comeback, despite a numerical advantage.
Leeds had great spells of possession, but could not break down a resolute Preston backline.
The Whites are back in action on Friday evening, when they take on Middlesbrough, looking to return to winning ways.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
