Shaun Wright-Phillips has told Premier League Productions that he is “worried” about Leeds United and their chances of survival – and has explained why. Marcelo Bielsa’s side lost 3-0 to Everton on Saturday.
It was a dismal performance, and a woeful result – many describing it as the worst viewing since the club made the shock move to bring in Bielsa in 2018. Leeds sit in 15th place, six points above the drop zone.
But injuries are getting more and more. Stuart Dallas limped off against Everton, while the core of the side – Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford – remain long-term absentees at Elland Road.
Wright-Phillips says that injuries have, of course, played their part at Elland Road but he feels a lack of strength in depth that is an issue. He feels those that have replaced the key players are below the required standard.
“They want to play the same way. But with their injuries, they’re trying to replace with players, no offence, that are not as fit or have the strength. Way too open and they concede too many goals. I am worried for them.”
Wright-Phillips on Leeds: Relegation is a real possibility this season
Just look at their next four games. Leeds face Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Leicester. While it might be a good time to face United, Spurs and Leicester – four losses could come in the next few weeks.
Relegation is a real, real threat. The saving grace Leeds do probably have, is that there are three worse teams than them in the Premier League. Burnley are struggling to score, Norwich look off the pace and Watford are poor.
The chances are, that those three sides go down. But Bielsa, out of view of camera and behind the scenes, will be counting down the minutes until he can call on Bamford, Phillips and Cooper again.
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