Although Pep Guardiola acknowledges his regret, he claims he cannot see Kalvin Phillips playing more for Manchester City because of his system.
Kalvin Phillips received an astounding apology from Pep Guardiola, who also acknowledged that he does not see a place for the midfield player in his current Manchester City system.
After a challenging first season at City, Phillips declined the opportunity to go on loan in the summer. Despite this, he has made just eight appearances and has only started once in all competitions this season. Since starting the opening game against Newcastle, playing 25 minutes against Wolves, and sitting on the bench against Arsenal and Aston Villa, Phillips has seldom played in the four games Rodri has been suspended for.
He has acknowledged that he might have to leave in order to get the minutes he needs to qualify for England’s Euro 2024 squad, and he has been heavily linked to a January departure of some kind. According to Guardiola’s most recent remarks, a January transfer is certain.
Guardiola deployed John Stones and Manu Akanji in the holding areas against Villa when Rodri was sidelined. Rico Lewis and Julian Alvarez also made an effort to occupy the midfield gaps. The manager picked Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake, and Bernardo Silva over Rodri, and Mateo Kovacic and Matheus Nunes came off the bench to support the centre areas.
Guardiola uttered the words “I don’t know what will happen,” seemingly dooming the midfield player to leave City. “I’ve told him several times how sorry I am for the choices I made for him. He is not deserving of being denied minutes. I really apologise.
It’s him that I’m pleading with for a decent disposition, moral fibre, and forward-thinkingness. This is the ideal illustration. I was supposed to offer him something after that, but I didn’t. I simply struggle a little bit to see him because I imagine stuff, like the team and other things.
It’s not that I’m dissatisfied. I’m really sorry for him. Since this is a business, I must conduct myself professionally. When I take action, it is a good decision if we win, and a bad decision if we lose. But I don’t mind if a young guy acts [inappropriately]. I’m concerned about his behaviour with his friends.
“Hopefully, he can change his ways. As I’ve mentioned numerous times, I have no idea what will transpire in January. He is a great trainer and a great guy, so if he stays, I’m more than happy.”
Next week, Phillips might play in the Champions League against Red Star with no stakes, and he might also be eyeing a starting role in the FA Cup third-round matchup against Huddersfield.