“My opinion is my opinion” – Pep Guardiola casts further doubt on future of Manchester City midfielder

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has thrown Kalvin Phillips’ future at the Etihad Stadium into fresh doubt.

The 27-year-old rejected the opportunity to leave Manchester City during the recent summer transfer window despite at least 15 clubs enquiring about signing the Englishman, following an underwhelming first campaign.

Phillips made just four starts for Manchester City last season and has failed to impress so far this campaign, starting just one of the Blues’ last three games domestically in spite of Rodri’s three-match suspension.

The former Leeds midfielder has made only five starts for Manchester City since moving to the Etihad Stadium for £42 million, however England manager Gareth Southgate has continued to afford opportunities to Phillips.

The England international, who won the treble with Manchester City last season, started the Three Lions’ 3-1 win over Italy at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday evening, as England qualified for Euro 2024.

Post-match the 27-year-old hinted that he may have to look to leave Guardiola’s side to secure a place at the European Championships in the summer, with the tournament taking place in Germany.

Phillips was part of Southgate’s squad for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year, but has been warned about the need for regular minutes at a club level to cement his place within the England team.

Congratulations to @kylewalker2, John Stones, @Kalvinphillips, @JackGrealish, and @PhilFoden on qualifying for #EURO2024 with England after a 3-1 win vs Italy tonight! 🦁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/pdnkPdzpOZ

— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) October 17, 2023

Newcastle United could look to sign the midfielder during the January transfer window as Sandro Tonali faces a lengthy suspension; meanwhile Tottenham, West Ham and Liverpool have also been linked.

Manchester City return to action following the international break on Saturday afternoon, facing Brighton at the Etihad Stadium after suffering back-to-back defeats in the Premier League to Wolves and Arsenal.

Speaking ahead of the weekend’s clash, Pep Guardiola casted further doubt on Phillips’ long-term future at the club.

“Yeah, he’s here. Until they’re here, every player will have a role for me.

“One more than the other one. Guys, we’re not stupid. When I see the line-ups in the last months, or years, he knows the players I rely on more than the other ones. But the other ones for me, it’s how we treat them. I treat them the same.

“But there are competitions between them, players who play a good season last season, this season can be dropped, another player comes and can play in his position and playing good.

“Many things. It’s a challenge every day, football, sport, it’s a challenge. The memories we have is amazing, it will remain forever, but when we are here (this is) the challenge it will have to be. Let’s go for it!

“I never change. I said a few months ago, weeks ago in the transfer window, never. But after that, they have to be in agreement with the club.

“My opinion is my opinion but it’s not the opinion of the club. It’s my opinion, but it’s not the opinion of the club. The club is the last word, it belongs to them. And they decide, don’t do it, don’t do it, if the agreement is not done, it’s not done, and we’ll stay.

“At the end, he’s a player here. He’s behaved incredible. He’s one of the most generous players I’ve ever seen, I’ve ever trained, honestly.

” I don’t want to make a compliment when a player doesn’t play much with me, I’m not talking about that. Another one would maybe create a problem in the locker room, maybe to me. He’s completely the opposite.

“When every time he goes to the (England) national team with Gareth (Southgate), I’m the happiest man in the world.

“When he plays, it’s a benefit for me. Maybe I’m completely wrong, I’m not saying I’m right. But it’s just I want to be honest with my feelings, and of course he’s here, tomorrow will be ready (if) we need him, and keep going.”