Pep Guardiola has shared some behind-the-scenes details about his conversation with Kalvin Phillips over a potential departure from Manchester City in the summer.
Just one year after paying Leeds United £45 million to acquire the midfielder, Manchester United was ready to let him depart the team during the most recent summer transfer window.
The 27-year-old Englishman is still at the Etihad Stadium, so City boss Pep Guardiola has been talking about the situation and what the latest developments are about the player and his position in the team.
The following was said by Guardiola during his most recent press conference prior to today’s Premier League match against West Ham United regarding his conversation with Phillips.
Due to his limited playing time, “we talked with him and the club about going on loan, but he decided ‘no, I want to stay,'” he said.
He is warmly welcomed. They are accepted as a good guy who stays and accepts everything. Every player here will be a part of the family and make a contribution once the transfer window closes.
He has room to develop because the dynamics where he was raised were very different. He stayed with us, so it’s crucial that he’s prepared considering that several of the players on our roster are currently injured.
It’s understandable why the team was reportedly eager to let Phillips leave in the summer considering that he only started four of the 21 games he participated in last season.
