Pep Guardiola has apologised to Kalvin Phillips following his lack of game time at Man City, insisting he deserves more opportunities.
Despite Rodri being suspended for their midweek trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday, Phillips was an unused substitute and played no part as they lost 1-0 to Unai Emery’s side.
Speaking ahead of their trip to Luton on Sunday, Guardiola told the press that he is “so sorry” that he can’t give the midfielder more opportunities and “struggles to see him” in his team.
He’s praised his attitude off the pitch, calls the 27-year-old a “lovely, lovely guy” and revealed that he “trains really good”, yet it seems he just doesn’t fit into his current plans, opening the door to a January move following strong links with Newcastle. Here’s what Pep’s had to say:
“I don’t know what will happen (in January). I feel so sorry for my decisions for him, I said many times. He doesn’t deserve not to get minutes. I am so sorry.
“I ask for good personality, good character, thinking about the end. (He) is a perfect example. After that, I have to give him something but I didn’t do that – I visualise my team and select a team and I struggle to see him. That is all. I feel so, so sorry for him.
“The way he behaves with his teammates…I care. If he stays in January, I am more than pleased. He trains really good and is a lovely, lovely guy. Lovely character.”
🗣 "He doesn't deserve what has happened to him and I'm so sorry."
👀 Pep Guardiola has apologized to midfielder Kalvin Phillips for not playing him at Man City
🤝 Phillips has been linked with a January move to Newcastle United pic.twitter.com/YIdjTFgdvA
— The Chronicle (@ChronicleNUFC) December 8, 2023
