OPINION
Marcelo Bielsa dropped young defender Aapo Halme and moved Kalvin Phillips back into the centre of defence on Saturday, but Leeds fans weren’t happy with the call that he made.
Phillips, who has been brilliant as the defensive midfield shield this season, isn’t a centre-back and really struggled to get to grips with the QPR attackers.
The visitors took the lead in the first-half before two goals from Kemar Roofe – one a very rare penalty – gave Leeds their fourth win in a row.
Injuries to Liam Cooper and Gaetano Berardi have left Bielsa short in defence but he decided to drop Halme after a nervy display against Sheffield United the week before.
But Leeds fans weren’t at all convinced and thought Roofe really struggled against Matt Smith and Nahki Wells.
One fan said he had a “shocker” while another said it was his “sloppiest” game of the season.
However, Leeds fans were quick to point out that he’s been brilliant all season in his usual position and that he is not a centre-back.
If Bielsa won’t dip into the transfer market in January, though, Phillips might well have to start practising his secondary role.
The fans won’t like it though – here are their reactions to his display on Saturday:
Plus points today: Shackleton slotted in well, Pontus excellent, Forshaw reads the game so well, Roofe worked hard and deserved his goals. Minus points: need to be more clinical in front of goal, Phillips distribution not as good as usual, Klich looked tired at the end. #lufc
— Chris Neal (@cgsneal) December 8, 2018
Phillips has had a shocker #lufc
— Adam Webster (@adswebbo) December 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/scud68/status/1071444476843974656
Harder work than it needed to be. Their goal an error but showed character to come back from it. Roofe popping up w/ goals today, but might feel he should've had a couple more. Shackleton did well. As did Halme once on. Phillips struggled but has been great all season. #lufc #MOT
— Mighty Whites Pod – #LUFC podcast. (@mightywhitespod) December 8, 2018
Definitely Phillips' most sloppy game of the season. Wells' big chance in the 2nd half all game from his poor headed pass. Bearing in mind the conditions and him playing as an orthodox CB, I'd say it's no big deal. #lufc
— Jibber Jabber (@EthanFromOnline) December 8, 2018
Essential to get Halme on once Matt Smith came on. Phillips cannot cope with Smith’s height #lufc
— Wolds White (@woldswhite) December 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/nigelharris101/status/1071444024039497728
https://twitter.com/TheOnlyPlace4Us/status/1071443897098928130
As good as Phillips has been this season, he has been pretty poor today. Too many loose passes / clearances #lufc
— MaltaWhite (@carl_bulger) December 8, 2018
Klich and Phillips unrecognisable today #lufc
— Joe Bryson (@JoeBryson7) December 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/stanners_1982/status/1071430409093816321
https://twitter.com/ThommHol/status/1071426195726761988