Pep Guardiola breaks silence on Kalvin Phillips future as ex-Leeds United man nears Man City exit
Phillips expressed his desire to play regularly, something he has struggled to achieve whilst at the Etihad Stadium.
Starts and, more recently, appearances have been hard to come by for the 27-year-old who made Gareth Southgate’s line-up in midweek as England defeated Italy in European Championships qualifying.
“I want to play as much football as possible. I know in the last year and half I haven’t done that. It’s something I’m going to have to think about.
Hopefully my chance does come,” the Leeds-born midfielder said after the Three Lions’ qualification for next summer’s tournament in Germany had been confirmed.
Club manager Guardiola responded in kind, suggesting that the January transfer window could offer a solution to Phillips’ game-time issue.
“Until winter time Kalvin is at City,” the Spaniard said in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.
“When the transfer window is open then nobody knows,” he added. Phillips is the subject of reported interest from a number of Premier League clubs and has been tipped to join any number of teams, such as Liverpool and Newcastle United over the past couple of months.
An Elland Road return would seem out of the question somewhat, given Leeds’ summer business which saw Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara and Ilia Gruev join the club, in addition to the emergence of Archie Gray.
In particular, Phillips’ desire for more regular football is likely linked to his international aspirations with England, aware he could miss out on Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad if he is not playing frequently in the build-up to the competition.
Returning to the Championship is unlikely to better his chances of retaining his place with England.
However, Guardiola continued to assert Phillips has a usefulness at City on Friday, suggesting specific game-states are when the England midfielder can be especially beneficial to have in his squad.
“[It’s] Not a conversation I’ve had. Transfer window is over, we are here together.
“When we need a game when it’s transitions or something with chaos, Kalvin is perfect,” City’s boss said.
On the whole, it appears the likelihood of a January exit has increased given the comments made by both parties in the past week.
Whether Phillips begins to feature more prominently at the Etihad Stadium in the coming weeks remains to be seen.
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He’s my brother’: Illan Meslier says 24-year-old is his favourite teammate at Leeds United
lllan Meslier has told Leeds United’s official Twitter that Pascal Struijk is his favourite teammate at the club, stating he has a “good relationship” with the defender and labelled the in-form ace as a “top man”.
Struijk, 24, has been excellent for Leeds this season. He has established himself as first choice on the left side of central defence despite starting the season behind Liam Cooper. Injury went in his favour.
But since, Struijk has developed a super relationship with Joe Rodon – who has joined on loan for the 2023-24 season. Not only has Struijk been good defensively, he has scored three goals in 12 games.
Meslier did a Q&A that was posted on Twitter ahead of Saturday’s clash away at Norwich City – and the goalkeeper was asked for his favourite teammate. He reacted by naming the defender in front of him.
“Pascal Struijk. He’s my brother from the beginning. A good relationship, always here for him and he’s always here for me. Top man,” Meslier told Leeds United’s official Twitter channel, during a Q&A.
Illan Meslier says Pascal Struijk is his favourite Leeds teammate
Not only has Struijk formed a very solid relationship at the back with Joe Rodon – he has also had to deal with a constant change of centre-back partners. Liam Cooper and Charlie Cresswell also played.
But Struijk and Meslier came into the Leeds side at similar times. Meslier came in to replace Kiko Casilla towards the end of the year Leeds got promoted. Struijk also did, as players were rested at the end.
Both players will be crucial to Leeds if we are going to secure instant promotion. Meslier looks as though, injury depending, he will remain first choice. Struijk is top of the list if his form continues.
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