Pep Guardiola regrets not using the England international midfielder Kalvin Phillips for Manchester City, but he does not see him in his squad.

Benjamin Sue December 9, 2023

Pep Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has apologised to midfielder Kalvin Phillips for not picking him in the Premier League this season – but admits he “struggles to see him” in his starting line-up.

Phillips has only played 90 minutes of elite football this season because he hasn’t started for the treble champions in the Premier League or the Champions League.

Despite Rodri’s absence, the 28-year-old has remained on the City bench. The most recent instance of this occurred on Wednesday when the England international was not deployed as a substitute during the 1-0 loss to Aston Villa.

Concerns concerning Phillips’ potential departure during the January transfer window have surfaced, with Guardiola stating at a news conference on Friday, “I don’t know what’s going to happen.” I’m so sorry about what I decided for him. I’ve stated it numerous times.

“He doesn’t deserve what has happened to him and I’m so sorry..

“The only thing I can say about him is that he is the epitome of the good personalities and qualities I am asking for. And I was supposed to give him something after that, but I didn’t.

“It’s just because I visualise some things and visualise the team and things – and I struggle to see him.

“I’m not very pleased [with myself] and I am so sorry for him. I will not say that [to him] because it is a business and I have to be a professional.

“But if one guy behaves [poorly], I don’t care. But the way he behaves with the team-mates and everyone, I care. So that’s why hopefully it can turn around.

“And I’ve said many times, if it comes to January and he stays, I’m more than pleased because he trains really good and he’s a lovely guy and character.”