Pep Guardiola delivers verdict on Kalvin Phillips’ first 90 minutes for Man City at Bristol City
Kalvin Phillips received high praise from Pep Guardiola after delivering an impressive performance in his first full 90 minutes playing for Manchester City. Despite struggling with fitness and injury issues since joining the team from Leeds over the summer, Phillips was able to step up and show his true potential during City’s FA Cup match against Bristol City.
While he had previously struggled in earlier appearances, Phillips’ performance at Ashton Gate demonstrated that he is a reliable £45m signing for the club. Prior to the match, Guardiola had challenged Phillips to play his natural game, but had also acknowledged that he is still learning the intricacies of City’s system.
Following the game, however, Guardiola’s outlook was much more positive.
“It’s not easy when you don’t play much. To play good in these kind of games is not easy but he played more than well,” Guardiola said.
“Of course he needs rhythm but it was important to give Rodri time. We need him and we can rely on him and we will need him. That is the most important thing.”
Guardiola provided an update on the health status of Aymeric Laporte, who had been sidelined due to illness and missed the last two games.
The defender has returned to training, along with John Stones who had been recovering from a hamstring injury. Both players could be available to play in the upcoming match against Newcastle over the weekend.
Pep Guardiola delivers verdict on Kalvin Phillips’ first 90 minutes for Man City at Bristol City
