Former Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has revealed how a phone call with Marcelo Bielsa helped breathe new life into his Manchester City career last season.
Phillips was speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the release of his new Amazon Prime documentary ‘The Road to City’, which is set to launch on July 19.
The 27-year-old struggled in his first season at the Etihad Stadium after making the £42 million switch from his boyhood club 12 months ago.
He played a total of just 593 minutes across 21 appearances last season, but it was a half-an-hour cameo in a win over Leicester City in April that left Phillips feeling extremely low.
Phillips had replaced Rodri just eight minutes into the second half with the game seemingly tied up at 3-0, but he struggled to get to grips with proceedings and while City still won 3-1, he was left gutted at his performance.
Phillips recalls Bielsa phone call after City struggles
Upon getting home after that match, Phillips decided to turn to his former Leeds boss Bielsa in a bid to lift his spirits and confidence, with the Argentine having played a massive role in his career.
Phillips detailed how it was him who initiated the phone call with Bielsa, who told him to remain ‘positive’ and believe in his own ability.
He said: “The only time that I’ve felt down about the situation was when Man City played Leicester and I came on for about half an hour, but I was rubbish. I can remember going home and I was so upset with myself I started crying.
“I got on the phone and messaged Marcelo Bielsa and asked if I could speak to him. He replied to me within about five hours. I think it was his translator who send the message but he said: ‘Yes I’d love to speak to you’. So the translator called me and we had the phone call.
“It was just good to have a chat and he basically told me that I have the ability, it’s just down to confidence and being positive. And since that conversation I’ve been as a positive as I can. Getting through that and seeing the rewards coming at the end of the season with the treble, it was a nice thing.”
This is a great story that really emphasises the impact Bielsa had on so many people while he was at Leeds, something which has been completely lost since his exit.
Phillips clearly recognises how big a part Bielsa has played in his career and it appears as though that phone call did the trick, based on the success he went onto enjoy.
His performances were much better from there on in, of course going onto lift the treble with City and then scoring his first England goal.
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