---
title: "Leeds: Kevin Phillips discusses Gaetano Berardi’s recent appearance"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-kevin-phillips-discusses-gaetano-berardis-recent-appearance/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United News"
published: "2021-05-24T13:15:55Z"
modified: "2021-05-24T13:15:55Z"
---

# Leeds: Kevin Phillips discusses Gaetano Berardi’s recent appearance

**Former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips believes that Gaetano Berardi was put ‘in the shop window’ by playing against Southampton as a summer exit looms for the 32-year-old.**

### The Lowdown: Leeds finish season in style

Leeds United finished an excellent first season back in the Premier League with a win on Sunday, [beating West Brom 3-1](https://www.skysports.com/football/leeds-united-vs-west-bromwich-albion/report/429210) at Elland Road in front of fans.

Rodrigo, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford got the goals for the Whites as they ended up finishing ninth in the division, which is a superb effort in their first top-flight campaign since 2003/04.

\[freshpress-quiz id=”355460″\]

### The Latest: Berardi enjoys late cameo

Earlier in the week, Marcelo Bielsa’s side won 2-0 at Southampton in a game which saw Berardi make a pleasing cameo ahead of a [confirmed](https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/28147/gaetano-berardi-pablo-hernandez-to-depart) summer exit, the long-serving defender finally making a Premier League appearance towards the end of an [injury-plagued season](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/gaetano-berardi/leistungsdaten/spieler/43084).

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/phillips-bielsa-put-berardi-in-the-shop-window-against-southampton-ahead-of-leeds-united-announcement/), Phillips claimed that it was a shrewd decision by Bielsa as it may have enabled other clubs to keep an eye on the Swiss defender in case they wish to snap him up. The ex-Sunderland striker said:

> “He’s back in the shop window showing everyone that he’s fit and there’s nothing wrong with him.
>
> “Managers are shrewd like that and it gives him the applause and a good send off.
>
> “It was a good decision from Bielsa, it gets him out there. There’s probably a motive behind that. I think it’s more to just give him that send off from the crowd.”

[Latest Leeds United news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-3/)

### The Verdict: Offers should arrive

At 32, and with a [cruciate ligament injury](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/gaetano-berardi/verletzungen/spieler/43084) in the past, Berardi may not be snapped up by a top club this summer, but there should still be suitors coming his way.

A solid right-back with [157 appearances](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/gaetano-berardi/alletore/spieler/43084) to his name, the veteran could potentially be snapped up a Championship club, proving to be a good signing if he can stay fit. He sent a reminder of his talent with his performance against West Brom, winning [three headers and one tackle](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/52407/MatchStatistics/Gaetano-Berardi) against the Baggies.

He will be remembered a strong servant and a [fans’ favourite](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/berardi-hernandez-demand-leeds-fans-20657461) for Leeds, particularly in the years before Bielsa’s arrival, when he was a [regular starter](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/52407/History/Gaetano-Berardi).

***In other news, an ex-Leeds hero has been heaping praise on a current Whites star. Find out who they are [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-patrick-bamford-receives-huge-praise-from-gordon-strachan/).***