Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has been quoted by BBC Sport as saying Marcelo Bielsa got the best out of Kalvin Phillips at Leeds United – and can only wish he could replicate that at The Etihad.
It is another public display of honesty, and harshness, on England star Phillips from Guardiola. Phillips was bought by Manchester City in the summer of 2022, for a fee believed to be in the region of £45m.
The 27-year-old played 234 times for Leeds, a crucial part of the Leeds side that got the club back into the Premier League. But since his move to City, he has managed just 24 appearances in league and cup.
Just four starts in that time, with Rodri one of the first names on the team sheet – in Phillips’ position. Arguably, the best player in the world right now, in that role. Phillips finds himself warming the bench.
Guardiola also spoke about how the club spoke to Phillips about a possible exit in the summer. He says that he can only wish he could get the best out of the Leeds-born star – as Bielsa did at Elland Road.
“Marcelo [Bielsa] gave Kalvin the best of Kalvin in his career,” Guardiola said, as per BBC Sport. “I’d love to have done with Kalvin what Marcelo has done to him. We have our own specific way to play.
“[He] sometimes struggles in a few things, while the previous [Leeds playing style] was perfect [for him]. “The club spoke with him because he did not have many minutes. He said ‘no, I want to stay’.”
Pep Guardiola: Marcelo Bielsa got best out of Kalvin Phillips
Let’s be honest, it is a move that has not gone to plan for Kalvin. But given the platform to play and play regularly, he is easily good enough for a Premier League side in European football. He needs a move.
Where does he go next? Well, he will have to stay put until January. A possible return to Leeds? Daniel Farke will have to get us back into the Premier League to even stand a chance but that seems unlikely.
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