Man City boss Guardiola admits failure over England midfielder
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has admitted he has failed to get the best out of England midfielder Kalvin Phillips since his £45 million move from Leeds United last summer.
The 27-year-old has found life tough at the Etihad Stadium, with a series of injuries further pushing him down the pecking order in midfield, an area in which the defending Premier League champions are stacked with immense quality.
However, with Spanish midfielder Rodri out for the next three games following his red card against Nottingham Forest at the weekend, Phillips has been provided with an opportunity to stake a claim in the side, but Guardiola said he has failed to utilize the midfield as well as Marcelo Bielsa did while he was his coach in Leeds.
“Marcelo [Bielsa] gave Kalvin the best of Kalvin in his career,” the Spaniard said. “I would love to have done with Kalvin what Marcelo has done to him. But, yeah, it is what it is.
“So, we have our own specific way to play. Sometimes struggle with a few things, like, the game, the previous one (against Nottingham Forest) was perfect. It’s his biggest quality.
“But, he’s open-minded, always wants to learn, always wants to help and this is what I want to try to do.”
Phillips has managed just 24 games across two seasons for City so far, including 21 in the whole of the 2022–23 campaign. Yet, the English midfielder decided to remain with the side as opposed to getting a move away from the Etihad.
“Yes, he decided to stay,” Guardiola continued.
“The club spoke with him and for the fact he’s had maybe not much minutes, he said, “No, I want stay.” I will be a father soon, so I want to stay here. It’s okay, it’s perfect. He’s a lovely person.”
Phillips is expected to feature from the beginning when the eight-time EFL Cup winners take on Newcastle United in the third round at St. James’ Park on Wednesday for what will be just his fifth start since joining the club.
