After Guardiola omitted him from City’s Carabao Cup squad in their victory over Liverpool last week, the coach selected Phillips for Wednesday night’s 3-1 victory at his former team Leeds. But the Englishman ended up as an unused substitute.
Earlier, coach Guardiola pointed out how Phillips who was part of England’s World Cup squad returned to City overweight. Less than seven days afterward, the Spaniard has changed his opinion about the weight problems of the 27-year-old midfielder.
Guardiola said in his latest press conference that Philips who underwent shoulder surgery earlier this month might play in their next match against Everton on New Year’s Eve at home.
File photo of Pep Guardiola and Kalvin Phillips during a training session.
The coach said after their 3-1 win over Leeds United: “He [Phillips] has the perfect body now – so sexy.
“We will see for the weekend. He has spent the first part of the season out with surgery to arrive for the World Cup – and did everything to get to the World Cup.
“It’s not just about just being fit, you also have to understand what we want to do, the movements, etc.
“So that means, as quick as possible because Rodri cannot play all the games, so as quick as possible he will play.
“But I’m happy that yesterday, for example, Kalvin trained well, and sooner or later he will play.”
