Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips has opened up about his feelings after hearing manager Pep Guardiola call him “overweight” in the media last season. Guardiola dropped Phillips for a Carabao Cup match against Liverpool in December 2022 due to his lack of fitness. Phillips has now responded to these comments, admitting that they were difficult to hear but he worked hard to prove Guardiola wrong. Despite joining Manchester City from Leeds United for £45m, Phillips only started four games in the 2022/23 season. He hopes to have a better season and be more involved in the team.
In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Phillips expressed his disappointment over Guardiola’s comments. He acknowledged the impact it had on him, especially considering how much it was talked about. However, he asserted that he wasn’t actually overweight and that it was a misunderstanding between him and some staff members. Phillips revealed that he was determined to prove himself by working hard to get as fit as possible. Following the incident, he found himself on the bench for the Leeds game and was fit for every match thereafter.
To shed more light on his journey, Phillips will be the subject of a documentary titled “Kalvin Phillips: The Road to City,” which will be available on Amazon Prime starting July 19. The documentary will explore his first season at Manchester City and provide insights into his experiences.
Despite struggling to secure a regular spot in the Manchester City first team, there have been speculations about Phillips leaving the club in search of more playing time in the upcoming season. West Ham United has emerged as a possible destination for the 27-year-old, especially after the departure of Declan Rice. However, Phillips has expressed his determination to become a more important member of Guardiola’s squad. He acknowledged the difference in his role compared to his time at Leeds and mentioned that he is prepared to push himself to be more involved, even if he doesn’t start every game. Phillips hopes that the upcoming season will bring better opportunities for him to contribute to the team’s success.
As Manchester City continues their preparations for the next season, transfer news has been circulating. Jude Bellingham reportedly turned down an offer from the European champions, drawing inspiration from Erling Haaland’s career path. Alphonso Davies is also rumored to be a possible addition to the squad. Saudi Arabia has shown interest in signing Bernardo Silva. Additionally, Manchester City is aiming to break their transfer record to secure the services of Josko Gvardiol for their defense, following the signing of Matteo Kovacic earlier this summer.
