Pep Guardiola has admitted that he feels bad for not being able to hand Kalvin Phillips any game time, remarking that the Manchester City midfielder has behaved like a model professional behind the scenes.
It now appears fairly clear that Phillips is on his way out of the Etihad Stadium in January, with various outlets reporting over the last couple of months that the midfielder wants to leave in search of regular game time, with Spurs alleged to be keen on securing his signature (Football Transfers).
Over the last few days, Spurs Web has relayed multiple updates on the 27-year-old’s future, with Newcastle thought to be leading the race for his signature (90 min) but the Lilywhites allegedly not willing to give up on the England international just yet (TEAMtalk).
Guardiola does not see a place for Phillips at Man City
Guardiola has now delivered the biggest hint yet that Phillips’ time in Manchester is about to come to an end next month.
The City boss stated that while he does not have any complaints about how the former Leeds man has conducted himself, he admitted that the midfielder simply does not fit into his vision.
Guardiola said (via Fabrizio Romano): “I’m so sorry for Kalvin Phillips. I ask for good personality and also good character and he’s a perfect example. It’s just because I visualise something, I visualise the team and I struggle a little bit to see him. That’s all.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The injury to Bentancur has increased the likelihood that Tottenham would make a move for Phillips in January. However, I very much doubt if the City star would be too keen on a switch to Spurs as he probably would not be a starter for Ange Postecoglou’s men if everyone is fit.