Pep Guardiola has welcomed Kalvin Phillips decision to stay and fight for his place at Manchester City. The England international has made a slow start to his career at the Etihad but is determined to fight for a place in the City squad.
Speaking prior to City’s game against West Ham, the City manager was happy for Phillips to stay and fight for a place. Guardiola explained that the treble winners had offers for the midfielder, but he turned them down to stay at City. Pep explained: “We talked with him and the club with the chance to maybe go on loan because he did not have a lot of minutes but he decided no, I want to stay. He is more than welcome.”
The City manager expanded on the Phillips situation telling the media: “As a good guy who accepts everything and stays, they are welcome. When we finish the transfer window, every player here is part of the family and are going to help.”
Kalvin Phillips also got through 90 minutes for England in their 3-1 win over Scotland midweek. Guardiola was happy for the midfielder to get through a full game. He said: “I’m really pleased for the game he played because he is an exceptional guy and I love working with these kinds of people, as I’ve said many times. Of course, he has not had much minutes in the past. I don’t know what is going to happen but it is important for him, and for me as well, to have this good performance.”
With Kalvin Phillips deciding to turn down offers to leave, he will be needed at Manchester City look to build on their impressive start to the season. With John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish and Kevin De Bruyne all out of this weekend’s clash with West Ham Phillips may get an opportunity to impress this weekend.
