PEP GUARDIOLA has admitted that he feels “so sorry” for Manchester City outcast Kalvin Phillips.
The former Leeds star has struggled to ever establish himself since moving to City from Elland Road.
Phillips has featured for just 89 minutes of his side’s first 15 Premier League games of this season, despite being injury free.
He has been an unused substitute in City’s last four Prem encounters.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Phillips has been linked with a move away from the Etihad.
Asked about the possibility of the 28-year-old moving on, boss Guardiola said: “I don’t know what’s going to happen. I feel so sorry for my decision for him. I’ve said that many times.
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“He doesn’t deserve what has happened to him and I’m so sorry.
“The only thing I can say about him is I am asking for good personalities and characters and he is a perfect example. And after that I have to give him something and I didn’t do that.
“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.
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“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.”
Phillips has been linked with a January switch to Italian giants Juventus.
Regular first-team football during the second half of the season would likely strengthen Phillips’ claim for a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.
In order for Phillips to join Juventus, however, the Italian side hope for City to cover the majority of his £150,000 a week wages.
Bayern Munich have also been linked with the midfielder, who could link up with his Three Lions skipper Harry Kane in Germany.
While Newcastle are another side to possess an interest, having lost Sandro Tonali to a 10-month betting ban.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
