Featured Image Credit: Getty & X
Topics: Barcelona, Kalvin Phillips, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Fan Reactions
Josh Lawless
Topics: Barcelona, Kalvin Phillips, Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, Fan Reactions
Manchester City fans think one of their players is "cursed" after seeing what he did against Barcelona.
In their latest pre-season game, City drew 2-2 with the Blaugrana at the Camping World Stadium.
Youngster Nico O'Reilly was on target in the first half, with Jack Grealish also finding the net.
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The game went all the way to penalties, where Barca prevailed 4-1 after two missed spot-kicks.
City were still without many of their first-choice players due to them being given time off following on from their involvement in Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
It meant that Kalvin Phillips had to deputise as a centre-back alongside the returning Josko Gvardiol, who assisted City's first goal with a slick pass.
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The England international fared well in a new position, touching the ball 112 times and boasting a 93% pass accuracy - with 18 passes in the final third.
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But despite impressing, Phillips' rotten luck continued as he saw his penalty saved in the shoot-out.
And it was enough for fans to conclude that the former West Ham loanee needs to be moved on.
One wrote: "Genuinely feel so sorry for Kalvin, he needs go and play abroad and start again away from the English media and fans.
Another said: "Jesus Christ. Has there been a worse stint at a club than poor Kal."
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A third person commented: "He has been cursed ever since he joined."
A fourth added: "He need to leave the club ASAP!"
A final person reacted: "He honestly cannot catch a break."
Guardiola was asked about Phillips' display in his post-match press conference and praised the former Leeds United man's outing.
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However, he is still unsure about whether he will be staying put.
"Kalvin I don't know what is going to happen with his situation," Guardiola said, as per the Manchester Evening News.
"He was really good for the problems we had. I know Kalvin when he gets the ball and can see all the pitch in front of him he's a really good player. When he has the small spaces there are more problems.
"That's why with the problems we have he makes an incredible effort with his position. He was confident with the ball and helps us a lot. I'm really pleased with his performance."