Here are your Leeds United headlines for Wednesday, December 28.
Paul Robinson says Pep Guardiola's Kalvin Phillips criticism 'harsh'
Paul Robinson has described Pep Guardiola's comments that Kalvin Phillips returned from the World Cup overweight as 'harsh'.
Guardiola explained Phillips' absence from Manchester City's 3-2 win over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, and insisted that he would only return once he is in the correct shape.
READ MORE: Leeds United supporters discuss Cody Drameh's future amid January transfer window speculation
Robinson believes Guardiola's comments have given the media something to write about, and expects Phillips to return to the fold imminently.
“I think it was really harsh from Guardiola,” he told Football Insider. “Players are monitored to an incredible level now. There is so much expected of the modern day player.
“I think Guardiola’s comments gave the media a reason to talk about the situation. If Kalvin Phillips is unfit, what does that make the rest of us! I just think Pep Guardiola’s wording was wrong at the press conference. I don’t think it’s as big of a problem as is being made out.
“It just goes to show you the level of expectation on Premier League footballers now. It is a lifestyle and a 24/7 commitment.
“Every single manager analyses the players to the Nth degree to get that tiny bit of advantage over everyone else. That is why Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world. He monitors everything.
“I don’t think Kalvin will have gone back massively overweight. I suspect it was marginal and he will be back at the desired weight by the end of this week.”
Newcastle and Aston Villa a 'step above' Leeds United as Victor Orta makes European admission
Victor Orta has vowed to guide Leeds United into Europe, as he admits Aston Villa and Newcastle United are a 'step above' them in the race for European football.
Newcastle are currently flying high with just one defeat from their opening 16 games in the Premier League this term. The Magpies registered a sixth win on the spin against Leicester City on Boxing Day to continue their remarkable transformation under Eddie Howe.
Orta insists that stability is key for the Whites, but has revealed that the long-term aim is to return Leeds to Europe for the time since 2003.
Freund has already described what 'real leader' Wober would bring Leeds United
Well-regarded Red Bull Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund has already explained what Maximilian Wober would bring Leeds United if he is signed. The Whites are reportedly preparing an offer that could reach €16 million including add-ons to tempt Salzburg into selling him.
Leeds are in need of strengthening their options at left-back and Wober would fit that bill given how frequently he has played there this season. Wober started his career out in central defence and it is only this season that he has made the transition across to left full-back.
But what else Wober would bring to Jesse Marsch's side is leadership, with the Austria international having become the club's captain this season. While only 24 himself, Leeds have a number of youngsters in their side and his leadership on the pitch would no doubt aid the Whites in their battle to beat the drop.
READ NEXT:
- Leeds United injury list & return dates as question marks over nine players ahead of Man City
- Leeds United performance analyst Aaron Dagger joins Mark Jackson in making MK Dons move
- Manchester City's Riyad Mahrez admits respect for Leeds United ahead of Premier League restart clash
- Leeds United's formation switch explained as Jesse Marsch outlines strategy
