Kalvin Phillips ended up reuniting with his good friend Leif Davis at Ipswich Town, but could things have been different had Leeds United also been promoted to the Premier League? Here’s part two of Stuart Watson’s chat with the midfielder…
SW: Kalvin, it must have been a bittersweet feeling for you when Leeds narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League. How did you cope with that disappointment?
KP: It was definitely a tough pill to swallow, especially after coming so close the previous season as well. But at the end of the day, we just had to focus on the task at hand and try to bounce back stronger. Football is a rollercoaster of emotions, and you have to learn to deal with the highs and lows.
SW: Were there any regrets about missing out on the opportunity to play in the Premier League with Leeds?
KP: Of course, it’s every player’s dream to play at the highest level possible, and I would have loved the chance to test myself against the best in the Premier League. But I also know that everything happens for a reason, and I have to trust in the path that I am on.
SW: How did the move to Ipswich Town come about, and were you excited to reunite with Leif Davis?
KP: The move to Ipswich Town came about quite quickly after Leeds’ promotion hopes were dashed. I spoke to Leif Davis, and he told me about the club’s ambitions and the potential to achieve great things here. It was an easy decision for me to make, and I was thrilled at the prospect of playing alongside Leif once again.
SW: What are your goals and aspirations for your time at Ipswich Town?
KP: My main goal is to help the team achieve promotion to the Championship and beyond. Ipswich Town is a club with great history and potential, and I want to be a part of something special here. I also hope to continue developing as a player and show what I can do on the pitch.
SW: Finally, do you still hold out hope of playing in the Premier League one day, either with Ipswich Town or another club?
KP: Absolutely, playing in the Premier League is still a dream of mine, and I will work hard every day to make it a reality. Whether it’s with Ipswich Town or another club, I believe in my abilities and will do everything I can to reach the top level of English football.
