By Kevin Phillips

21st May, 2022 | 2:00pm

Leeds United news: Expert can't believe Marcelo Bielsa amid 'absolutely crazy' transfer claim

Leeds United have “only got themselves to blame” if they are relegated from the Premier League after their inactivity in the transfer market, according to Kevin Phillips.

The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested Marcelo Bielsa’s preference for a small squad has hamstrung the Whites during the relegation run-in.

Now under the stewardship of Jesse Marsch, Leeds United must better Burnley’s result on the final day of the season (22 May) in order to extend their top-flight stay.

The Whites have been impacted by key injuries to stars like Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford – who scored 17 league goals last term.

However, Leeds United failed to make a single addition during the winter window and signed only three senior stars last summer (2021).

Phillips insisted the Yorkshire side’s lack of activity in the market is “absolutely crazy”.

“We all know Bielsa is a very stubborn man,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.

“He didn’t like a big squad, he much preferred that tight-knit group. He may have been given funds but just couldn’t find the right personnel in the transfer market.

“It was absolutely crazy not to go out and strengthen that squad, both in the summer and in the January windows.

“They needed competition, quality – especially in that striker position.

“For me, they’ve probably only got themselves to blame – they should have gone out and brought a fair few players through the door.”

Leeds United finished last season in ninth place after amassing 59 points.

Bielsa lost his job in February after a run of four consecutive defeats – conceding 17 goals in the process.

In other news, Danny Mills issues verdict on Joe Gelhardt completing Leeds United exit – “he’s ready”.