By Samuel A. December 9, 2023
Veteran Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has apologised to midfielder Kalvin Phillips for not picking him in the Premier League this season during a press conference, but continues to admit that he “struggles to see him” in the City starting lineup.
Kalvin Phillips is still yet to start for the 2022/23 treble winners in the Premier League and Champions League so far this season, limiting his action to just 90 minutes of top flight football. The 28 year old has continued to sit on the City bench, even with Rodri missing, with the latest, yet, most shocking of them all coming on Wednesday when the England international was an unused substitute, as Stones and Akanji started as the double pivot midfielders in the club’s 1-0 loss to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Several questions have emerged about whether or not Kalvin will depart in the January transfer window, with Guardiola telling the press on Friday: “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I’ve said that many times. He doesn’t deserve what has happened to him and I’m so sorry. The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for good personalities and characters and he is a perfect example. And after that I have to give him something and I didn’t do that.” He continued : “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. If one guy behaves poorly, I don’t care, but the way he behaves with the teammates 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.”
