Kalvin Phillips has been linked to Tottenham and Newcastle, but Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that he does not think the player belongs in his Manchester City squad. Also, last 2022-23 season Pep had publicly criticized him for not being in back perfect shape after the summer break.
After making few appearances for the Cityzens the previous season, the England international turned down the opportunity to go on loan in the summer. As per various reports, Phillips has only played 89 minutes of Premier League games this season and is still rather low on the pecking order.
🔵🏴 Guardiola: “I’m so sorry for Kalvin Phillips”.
“I ask for good personality and also good character and he’s perfect example…”.
“It’s just because I visualise something, I visualise the team and I struggle a little bit to see him. That’s all”. pic.twitter.com/uBA8qd1WCk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 8, 2023
Recently, when asked about Phillips’ future in the press conference, Pep said, “I’m so sorry for Kalvin Phillips. I ask for a good personality and also good character and he’s a perfect example. It’s just because I visualize something, I visualize the team and I struggle a little bit to see him, that’s all.”
It remains to be seen what happens next with Kalvin Phillps’ future with Tottenham and Newcastle in the run for his signature. Not only that, after Pep’s statement, many clubs will be coming in for the defensive midfielder as he is highly rated by the soccer pundits in England and has a lot to offer.
Why did Pep Guardiola not find Kalvin Phillips his ideal signing?
Kalvin Phillips, the defensive midfielder who was a starter at Leeds United FC in the EPL, after signing for Manchester City FC saw his game-time completely cut off. He went from being a regular starter to a bench player at City. One of the major reasons is that Pep Guardiola, manager of Man City FC did not have much faith in him.
Another reason is that Pep had players like Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Kevin De Bruyne at his disposal. The competition was too strong and in Pep’s eyes, Kalvin was always below the pecking order amongst these players. Also, after signing Mateo Kovacic and Matheues Nunes this 2023-24 season, one thing was certain Pep did not see Kalvin as a starter or even as a perfect player for his team.
Kalvin Phillips career stats at Man City:
🔹 21 appearances
🔹 0 Goals, 1 Assist
🔹4 Yellow Cards
🔹 10,742 smilesWe appreciate your service, KP😁🤝 pic.twitter.com/FVPdMIm3BR
— Danny (@MCFCDubs) August 21, 2023
Recently in an interview, Pep said, “Hopefully, he can turn around and I have said many times, I don’t know what will happen in January. If he stays I am more than pleased because he trains really good and he is a lovely guy,” said Pep regarding Kalvin’s uncertain future.
As per various reports, it looks certain that Kalvin Phillips will be heading out of the EPL champions’ team and moving to a team where he will get enough minutes to play and develop as a player. It remains to be seen what happens with Kalvin in January 2024.