Kalvin Phillips has opened up on Pep Guardiola publicly branding him “overweight” and admitted he disagreed with the Manchester City boss.
When Phillips returned from England duty at the World Cup in Qatar last December, Guardiola called him out publicly over his perceived weight issue. Phillips admitted he was hurt by Guardiola's comments and did not agree, but used the experience to get fit to help City's successful push for the Treble.
Speaking ahead of the release of a new documentary, Kalvin Phillips: The Road to City, the 27-year-old opened up on the difficult experience. “It was probably a little hard to take, because of how many people were talking about it,” said Phillips.
“The manager made his comments and I respected them. For me, I wasn’t overweight, but the manager has seen it very differently. I did my best to try to get as fit as possible and I was on the bench for the Leeds game straight after that and I was fit for every game since.
“There was just a misunderstanding between me and some staff members.” England midfielder Phillips struggled to make an impact at City last season, following his £50million move from Leeds, making just 12 appearances.
He underwent shoulder surgery in September, which ruled him out of action, returning in November for the World Cup, where he played two games. That was when Guardiola made his comments about his weight, with the Phillips admitting he sought advice from his City teammates.
“I spoke to quite a few of the lads there about their first season at City and how difficult they found it,” said Phillips. “They said it takes at least 12 months for somebody to really understand what the manager wants you to do and how he wants you to work.
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“The first season is always difficult but hopefully next season will be a little better for me. I’m looking forward to getting my head down.” Phillips hopes his documentary will inspire others, after a difficult upbringing, with his father in prison and still serving time.
“I wanted to show my side of the story and my move from Leeds to City,” Phillips told BBC Five Live. “I want to inspire kids with any stories like mine. I didn’t really have a father figure when I was growing up.
“I went to see him a couple of months ago and said I wanted to help him when he gets out, help him settle down and make sure he doesn’t go back to prison like he always used to do. He said ‘Kalvin, all I want to do is travel and watch you play football. I’ll be happy with that for the rest of my life'.
“He said he’s missed so many things and seeing me now at one of the best teams in the world, it would just be a joy to come and watch me all the time, and I said 'That’s fine by me'.”
