Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged his struggle to unlock the full potential of midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The £45 million acquisition from Leeds last summer has faced limited playing time with the treble-winning side. Phillips is anticipated to make only his fifth start for City during the Carabao Cup third-round clash against Newcastle.
Guardiola expressed admiration for Marcelo Bielsa, Phillips’ former Leeds manager, conceding that Bielsa extracted the best from the 27-year-old.
The City boss highlighted the disparity in playing styles, stating that Phillips occasionally faces challenges adapting to their specific approach.
Despite limited opportunities, Phillips played a significant role in the recent match against Forest, taking advantage of Rodri’s suspension.
Guardiola revealed that the club discussed potential alternatives with Phillips due to his limited minutes but emphasized the player’s commitment to staying.
The Spanish coach remains optimistic about Phillips’ quality, praising his open-mindedness, eagerness to learn, and dedication to contributing to the team’s success.
The upcoming match provides Phillips with a platform to showcase his abilities and justify his decision to remain with Manchester City.
