Kalvin Phillips given bleak outlook on Man City future by Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola admits he is clueless what the future holds for Kalvin Phillips after issuing a grovelling apology to the England midfielder.
The former Leeds United man has found opportunities extremely limited since his £45m move to the Etihad Stadium. Phillips has made 29 appearances since then but only five of those have been starts.
He has already been linked with moving away from City ahead of the January transfer window. Liverpool and Newcastle are among the clubs to have been credited with an interest in him.
Guardiola was asked about the midfielder’s future ahead of this weekend’s clash with Luton. The Spaniard admitted he is unsure of his future but apologised for not giving Phillips the game time he deserves.
''I don’t know what will happen to Kalvin Phillips,” Guardiola said. “He has good character, I’m so sorry I have not picked him. I visualise my team and select a team and I struggle to see him. The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for good personalities and characters and he is a perfect example.
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"And after that I have to give him something and I didn't do that. It's just because I visualise some things and visualise the team and things - and I struggle to see him. I'm not very pleased [with myself] and I am so sorry for him. I will not say that [to him] because it is a business and I have to be a professional.
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"But if one guy behaves [poorly], I don't care. But the way he behaves with the team-mates and everyone, I care. So that's why hopefully it can turn around. And I've said many times, if it comes to January and he stays, I'm more than pleased because he trains really good and he's a lovely guy and character."
Phillips currently has four-and-a-half years remaining on his Man City contract. He will certainly be hoping to earn more time on the pitch regardless of what club he represents for the second half of the campaign.
The midfielder has played a key role in Gareth Southgate ’s England squad over recent years. He has earned 31 caps for the Three Lions and was named in the most recent squad for the final two Euros qualifiers.
However, his place could be called into question should he remain on the sidelines under Guardiola. Following this weekend’s game against Luton, Phillips will be hoping to appear against Crvena Zvezda in midweek, with City having already booked their place in the Champions League knockouts as group winners.
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