Man City fans are convinced Kalvin Phillips' time at club is over after Pep Guardiola's 'cutting' comments

Manchester City fans are convinced Kalvin Phillips' days at the club are numbered after Pep Guardiola's recent comments.

Phillips joined City in a £45 million move from Leeds United in the 2022 summer window and was part of the side which won a historic treble.

However, just four of his 21 appearances in all competitions came from the start as Phillips struggled to displace the formidable Rodri in the defensive midfield berth.

A shoulder injury shortly after his arrival did not help his cause and Guardiola infamously branded Phillips "overweight" when he returned from the World Cup.

The England international had offers to move on after just one season but remains determined to fight for his place.

Rodri's red card and subsequent three match ban for violent conduct against Nottingham Forest could be the opportunity he has desired.

He had an impressive cameo in the 2-0 win at the Etihad Stadium, yet plenty of people think Guardiola doesn't quite rate the 27-year-old.

“Marcelo [Bielsa] got the best out of Kalvin in his career," Guardiola said in a press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Newcastle United ,as per City Report on X.

"I would love to have done with Kalvin what Marcelo had done with him, but it is what it is."

Image: Getty

And fans believed Guardiola's comment summed up his outlook on Phillips.

One said: "Ooft that's a quite cutting quote sadly."

A second questioned: "Has Guardiola ever admitted defeat like this?"

A third added: "Damn he basically said he’s washed."

A fourth commented: "Love Pep but imagine being Phillips reading that? Poor poor management there."

A fifth weighed in: "That is an awful quote. Tells us all what Pep really thinks about Phillips and his time at City."

A sixth user opined: "Kalvin turns his City career around, instant cult hero."

Image: Getty

Phillips had interest from the likes of West Ham in the summer but told Guardiola he wanted to stay put.

"The club spoke with him because he did not have many minutes," the Catalan added.

"He said 'no, I want to stay'.We brought Kalvin here for his quality. He is open minded, always wants to learn and wants to help. This is what we want to try to do."

Topics: Manchester City, Fan Reactions, Carabao Cup, Newcastle United, Kalvin Phillips

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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