Pep Guardiola has now shared the real reason behind why Kalvin Phillips does not play for Manchester City.
The Spaniard spoke about the 28-year-old in his press conference earlier on Saturday.
So, what did Pep Guardiola say about Kalvin Phillips? Let’s take a look…
What Pep Guardiola said about Kalvin Phillips
Well, the 52-year-old has often been asked why the England international hardly features for Manchester City.
Guardiola usually dodges the question in a tactical sense – instead opting to praise the person that Phillips is rather than comment on the footballing reasons behind his exclusion.
Now – however – the Spaniard has been a bit more expansive on why the Manchester City No.4 rarely makes it onto the pitch.
As quoted by the BBC, Guardiola said: “It’s just because I visualise some things. I visualise the team. I visualise things that struggle to suit him a little bit, that’s all.”
That matches up with what some sources have been saying about Phillips.
A story from The Athletic claimed that Guardiola and his coaching staff harbour major doubts over the £45m man’s ability to play quick passes in small spaces, as well as receive the ball comfortably from Ederson.
Clearly, the Santpedor-born tactician has ideas which Phillips simply does not fall into.
Manchester City need to replace Kalvin Phillips
If Phillips does not fit into Guardiola’s tactical plans, Txiki Begiristain needs to find someone who does – and can feasibly step in to cover Rodri.
Manchester City have lost all four games in which the Spain international has been suspended for this season, so the drop off in quality when he doesn’t play is there for all to see.
If Guardiola does not believe Phillips can effectively deputise for Rodri, this needs to be put right in January, or else Manchester City could drop even more points in the second half of the campaign.
One name who has been mentioned as a potential replacement for Phillips is Benfica No.87 Joao Neves – so be sure to keep an eye on that situation.
