Jesse Marsch has explained why Kalvin Phillips didn't start Leeds United's 3-0 win over Watford. The 26-year-old was named as a substitute for the third successive game as he continues to build up his fitness after suffering a long-term hamstring injury back in December.
Phillips had missed four months of action before returning to the squad for the Whites' trip to Wolves last month, but ended up staying on the bench as they ran out 3-2 winners. However, the England international was back on the pitch when Leeds drew 1-1 with Southampton last time out.
He came on for the final 25 minutes, which led to much speculation about Phillips being named in the starting XI against Watford. Leeds fans certainly felt that way, but Marsch decided to keep him on the bench.
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Although Phillips played just half an hour, he had a contribution in the final two Leeds goals in the rout at Vicarage Road. Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison all got on the scoresheet as the Whites moved nine points clear of the relegation zone, stretching their unbeaten run to four games in the meantime.
It was a crucial win in the context of Leeds' season and Marsch has outlined why Phillips was named as a substitute once again. He said in his post-match press conference: "Once we knew Adam [Forshaw] couldn't go, I didn't mind because Robin, I think I said in the press conference, that Robin has been fantastic in training and I thought Robin was a real presence in the midfield today.
"He won a lot of aerial duels, collected a lot of balls, really tactically moved with the game well, helped on set-pieces. I thought Robin was very good today, so that was great to see.
"And then obviously with Kalvin at 100%, we want to continue to push him to integrate within the team but it'll come. The worst thing, even with the situation with Patrick [Bamford], I felt so bad after his injury and I certainly don't want to repeat any of those mistakes with anyone else, so we want to make sure Kalvin's as close to 100% as he can be."
Leeds' 3-0 win saw them move 11 points ahead of the 19th-placed Hornets and nine clear of Burnley in the final relegation spot, vindicating Marsch's team selection decision.
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