“I Ask for Good Personality” – Pep Guardiola Feels ‘So Sorry’ for Kalvin Phillips

Pep Guardiola is renowned for bringing out the best in his players. However, there is one player at Manchester City for whom Guardiola’s magic touch seems to have eluded, and that is English defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips. After an underwhelming campaign from Phillips, the Man City manager expressed his remorse for the midfielder.

Kalvin Phillips joined Manchester City in the 2022 summer transfer window alongside Erling Haaland. Unlike the prolific striker who has broken several goal-scoring records, the midfielder has found it challenging to even receive adequate playing time.

Pep Guardiola left feeling sorry about Kalvin Phillips

In a recent conversation with The Athletic, Pep Guardiola opened up about Kalvin Phillips’ lack of game time. The 28-year-old has only made two starts in the Premier League since joining the Cityzens and Guardiola can’t help but feel sorry about it. The City manager expressed his regret, stating, “I’m so sorry. I ask for good personality, good character, thinking about the end. (He) is a perfect example.” 

The 52-year-old’s words reflect his genuine concern for Kalvin Phillips and his desire to see the midfielder succeed. The German manager also shed light on his decision to limit Phillips’ playing time. “It’s just because I visualize something, I visualize the team and I struggle a little bit to see him, that’s all,” said Guardiola.

The plight of Kalvin Phillips is indeed disheartening. After impressing at Leeds United, his exceptional performances prompted Manchester City to invest a substantial sum of $57 million to secure his services. But, things have only gone downhill for the star since then. And it seems Guardiola has even given up on the hope he had for him just a few months ago.

The time when Pep Guardiola thought Phillips’ best was yet to come

Not too long ago, Pep Guardiola displayed optimism and belief in Phillips’ potential. He expressed his confidence that the best is yet to come from the midfielder and even shared his plans for him. In fact, he stated, “I’d love to have done with Kalvin Phillips what Marcelo Bielsa(at Leeds) has done to him.”

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The ex-Barcelona manager also mentioned, “But he is open-minded, he always wants to learn, wants to help and this is what we want to try to do.” These statements indicated that Guardiola had a clear vision for revitalizing the struggling star. However, it appears that this hope has been shattered based on recent statements.

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