“Kalvin is better than Rodri” – Pep Guardiola makes bold Manchester City midfield claim and calls for healthy squad competition

Pep Guardiola believes Kalvin Phillips will be “frustrated” by his start to life at the Etihad Stadium but has urged the England midfielder to rival Rodri for a place in the team.

Phillips is set to make his full debut for the Blues against Southampton on Wednesday evening in Carabao Cup, after injury plagued his start to life at the Etihad Stadium.

The Englishman has made just six appearances since his £42 million switch from Leeds United, most recently featuring in the Premier League and FA Cup meetings against Chelsea from the bench.

Having been apart of Gareth Southgate’s squad at the World Cup in Qatar, Guardiola revealed that the midfielder had returned to East Manchester “overweight,” as he missed a 3-2 win over Liverpool last month.

Phillips is however set to play a major part in City’s latest pursuit of silverware, with manager Guardiola emphasising the importance of the 27 year-old rivalling fellow defensive midfielder Rodri.

“Kalvin has to fight with Rodri,” said Guardiola.

“For the benefit of all of us, Rodri cannot sleep. He has to have the feeling that someone is close to him to do it.”

“[Can Kalvin win that fight] Why not? It depends on him and how he is able to fight with Rodri. That’s why the big clubs have to have these options in these positions.”

The Manchester City manager also boldly claimed that aspects of the 27 year-olds game are better than fellow midfielder Rodri’s, with the Spaniard having become an integral member of Guardiola’s squad.

“In the quality of long balls, Kalvin is better than Rodri. In shorter spaces and first actions, Rodri is better.

“Everyone has their own quality, but they can play together – especially when you have two holding midfielders.”

The Catalan also opened up on Phillips’ difficulties with injury and vowed for him to start playing consistently after a challenging start to life with the Premier League champions.

“We need Kalvin – I have said that from day one. When he didn’t train after the World Cup it’s because I said I don’t want him to get injured so it’s better to wait a few days and come back step by step.

“Sometimes you’re not ready because of niggles so I say stay one or two days out. You are not going to lose anything,” continued the City manager.

“I am pretty sure he is frustrated when you come to a new place and cannot play. The important thing was the shoulder, after surgery and the World Cup. Now he feels fine. It’s just a question of time and minutes. 

“He understands where the ball is coming, he is strong in the air and has the quality to break lines to wingers and inside.

“He has to improve the reception from central defenders, but this is a question of time. At Leeds he moved the lateral way, but he has the ability to do it.

“He had the mentality to train with Marcelo Bielsa with the resilience and fight. I believed he could settle with us, and I am convinced it is going to happen.”