Kalvin Phillips reflects on Manchester City struggles after £42million move and call to Marcelo Bielsa | OneFootball

Kalvin Phillips will not feature when Leeds United host Manchester City on Saturday, underlining how a £42million move has led to a difficult spell.

After thriving under Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road, the midfielder joined Pep Guardiola with high expectations. Instead, momentum stalled and opportunities proved limited.

Almost four years on from signing, Phillips has made only 32 first-team appearances for City. Medals have followed, including the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, but minutes have been scarce.

One bruising moment arrived when Guardiola said he returned overweight after the 2022 World Cup. “He was right to do so, but there are different ways to go about it,” Phillips said. “I did not disagree with him, but obviously I took a big knock on my confidence and how I felt at City. And my family were not happy about it, either. Especially my mum.” He was speaking to The Guardian.

In April 2023, after criticism over his part in Leicester City’s goal during a 3-1 City win, Phillips phoned Bielsa. They spoke for around half an hour via a translator, and the former Leeds boss said he had watched every game and outlined how Phillips could rediscover his Elland Road level.

Phillips is now on loan at Championship outfit Sheffield United, his third successive temporary move, as he works to recapture form.

Saturday’s match is at Elland Road. Daniel Farke’s side have already unsettled Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United in recent months, and will seek a similar result against the current second-placed team to aid their fight against relegation.

Source: Leeds Live