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.

Trending

Lionel Messi’s Heartwarming Gesture Toward Fan Earns Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Seal of Approval

May 08, 2024 04:33 AM EDT

Rob McElhenney Passes Over Jason Kelce as Wrexham Co-owner Eyes Another Philadelphia Eagles Star for Soccer Switch

May 08, 2024 12:00 PM EDT

Wrexham Star Facing Emotional Struggle to Bid Farewell After Being Released by Ryan Reynolds’ Side

May 08, 2024 01:00 PM EDT

Latest Transfer Update Risks Lionel Messi & Angel Di Maria’s Reunion At Inter Miami After Tata Martino’s ‘Not Feasible’ Remarks

May 06, 2024 07:31 PM EDT

Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham Set to Face Off Against Natalie Portman’s Angel City as Hollywood Stars Set to Battle Out on Soccer Pitch

May 08, 2024 12:45 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Soccer stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

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.”

Pep Guardiola’s ‘Vulnerable’ Manchester City Are In a Mini Crisis After Aston Villa Defeat, Claims Ex-Arsenal Defender

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.

WATCH THIS STORY: Meet the Legendary Tennis Player Who is 3x Richer than Cristiano Ronaldo

What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.