Leeds United fans gather at Elland Road to celebrate promotion
Kalvin Philipps has hailed Marcelo Bielsa as "the best manager in the world" after Leeds United's long-awaited return to the top-flight was confirmed on Friday night. The Whites will next season play Premier League football for the first time since 2004 after promotion was secured.
"It’s crazy," Phillips said. "I never thought when the manager first came in, I never thought I’d be in this position two years down the line.
"The manager is a massive part of that, the coaching staff is a massive part of that. He’s the best manager in the world, there’s no other manager I’d rather play under than Marcelo Bielsa right now.
Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips has heaped praise on Marcelo Bielsa (Image: GETTY)
"He’s the perfect manager to have. I’m just lost for words, I can’t really speak."
Phillips, born and bred a Leeds fan, was left cheering their Yorkshire rivals Huddersfield along with his team-mates as they watched Friday night's clash at Elland Road.
"I never thought I would be a Huddersfield supporter for one day, but today was the day," Phillips said. "A lot of thanks to Huddersfield for doing the job. I’m just very happy right now.
"The Premier League is the biggest football league in the world, you’re playing the biggest clubs and we’re back there. Sixteen years we’ve been waiting for this to happen. I’m just so happy."
Leeds captain Liam Cooper pointed to the work of Bielsa, his staff and owner Andrea Radrizzani, who was instrumental in recruiting the Argentine.
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Leeds United players celebrated with fans at Elland Road as promotion was secured (Image: GETTY)
"They’ve given us everything and allowed us to go and achieve our dreams," said Cooper. "I’m a 28-year-old man now fulfilling his boyhood dreams. This smile is going to take some wiping off my face."
Cooper insisted Leeds had always been the standout force in the Championship, where the title is now in their sights.
"It’s unbelievable," Cooper said. "I’m sure it’ll sink in, we’re just over the moon. Our club, our fans and our players we’ve sacrificed so much, been in the doldrums for 16 years.
"To be part of this team and lead this team back to where we know we’ve always belonged is unbelievable. I’m so proud of these boys, they’ve sacrificed so much, worked so hard and they deserve it.
"We’ve been the best team all season on a consistent level and we’ve got the job done."
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