Leeds boss Jesse Marsch goes into his first full season in charge of the Whites without the services of two players that played key roles for the club in recent seasons in the shape of Raphinha and Phillips.
The winger joined Spanish giants Barcelona, his dream club, and Phillips moved to Premier League champions Manchester City, while Leeds have made no fewer than six new signings so far in the window.
Leeds defender Koch has admitted that the Whites will miss both Phillips and Raphinha as they were key players for the club.
But the German insists that Leeds have only gained quality both on and off the pitch with the new players they have added to their ranks so far this summer.
Asked about how much of an impact does he feels the departures of Phillips and Raphinha make on Leeds, Koch told Sky Deutschland: “Of course, those two were very important for us.
“Kalvin and Rapha are great footballers, but also great guys.
“At this point I can certainly speak for the team that they will be missed a lot.
“Nevertheless, I think that with the new players we have gained in quality both on and off the pitch.”
The Yorkshire giants are still on the hunt for reinforcements in attack with a new striker to provide support and competition for Patrick Bamford at the top of their wish list.
