Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison was able to reel off a list of issues that led to Leeds United’s relegation from the Premier League, but believes that losing two key players last summer was the most decisive difference of all.
Raphinha was sold to Barcelona having been the star player throughout Leeds United’s first two years back in the Premier League, while academy graduate and England international Kalvin Phillips joined Manchester City.
Speaking on Sky Sports News’ coverage of the last day of the Premier League season - including United's defeat to Tottenham - Jeff Stelling quite legitimately pointed out on his final day in the job: “It wasn’t about the day – they survived on the final day of last season, then they sold Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips, so how were they ever going to be better this season?”
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Morrison replied: “When you lose two quality players like that you’re always going to struggle. They’ve been in football matches this season but their biggest problem has been keeping it out at the back and scoring goals, and that is a recipe – as I’ve said many a time – for disaster. That’s been the biggest struggle.
“But you’re right: Raphinha, when games are tight, he’s got that bit of X-factor where he can assist or put one in the top corner, so yeah, they were two quality players that they did miss. But they’ve had big struggles. You look at when they were winning against Newcastle, Bamford misses the penalty then Newcastle go down the other end and score. It’s just moments during the season and it’s been a struggle for Leeds.
“But at the end of the season, where you finish is where you deserve to finish, so there’s no excuses from Leeds or probably the players or the fans.”
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