Kalvin Phillips has been challenged by Pep Guardiola to show that he can battle Rodri and displace him at Manchester City.
Since moving to City from Leeds for £50m in the summer, the England midfielder has endured a rough start to his City career. The 27-year-old has only made six substitute appearances, totaling 89 minutes, and has yet to have a single start.
After Phillips underwent surgery for a shoulder injury that kept him out from September through November, Guardiola labeled him “overweight” when he returned from World Cup duty last month.
Tonight’s match between City and the Saints could mark Phillips’ first start for the team, and Guardiola has urged him to believe he can dethrone Rodri.
What Did Guardiola Say To Kalvin Phillips?
“He has to fight with Rodri for the benefit of all of us,” said Guardiola. “Rodri cannot sleep and have the feeling there is someone close to him to do it. He has to.”
Asked if Phillips can win his battle with Rodri, Guardiola said: “Why not? It depends on him how he is able to fight with Rodri. That’s why the big clubs must have these kinds of feelings.
“Rodri knows a little bit more about what we want to do. The quality of the long balls, Kalvin is better than Rodri. In the shorter spaces in the first actions and controls, Rodri is better.
🗣️ “He’s always ready. We are delighted with that.”
Pep Guardiola discusses Kalvin Phillips after having a slow start to his Manchester City career. pic.twitter.com/8HyRjs0zmc
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 10, 2023
“We need Kalvin, I said that from day one. When he didn’t train for the first game after the World Cup, it was ‘I don’t want you injured when you’re not fit’.
“You’re more at risk in a training session or in games. It’s better to stay away for a few days and, when you’re fit or in the condition to train, go.
“This is what happened after a few days – his weight was perfect and he was back training.
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“Sometimes he’s not ready for some niggles or problems. Then I prefer if a player has one day out, because you’re not going to lose anything.
“I said many times, if you’re not ready for the training guys, take a day off. If you’re not ready for many reasons – personal issues or physical issues – no problem. I’m pretty sure Kalvin is frustrated, when you come to a new club and cannot play, but the shoulder was the main thing.
“After surgery, he came back from the World Cup perfectly and now he feels fine.
“Just a question of time, minutes, the amount of games we have, we’re going to use him.”
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