Manchester City Manager Drops Bombshell on Phillips’ Condition
In a shocking revelation that’s sent shockwaves through the football world, Pep Guardiola has disclosed that England midfielder Kalvin Phillips returned from the World Cup “overweight” and unfit for training. This Six6s exclusive digs deeper into the situation that saw the £45m summer signing from Leeds excluded from City’s Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool.
While World Cup participants John Stones, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish all featured in the thrilling 3-2 win against Liverpool at the Etihad, Phillips was conspicuously absent from the squad. The 27-year-old had managed just 40 minutes across two substitute appearances for England in Qatar.
The Weighty Issue: Guardiola’s Candid Assessment
When pressed about Phillips‘ omission, Guardiola didn’t mince words: “He’s not injured. He arrived overweight. I don’t know why. He didn’t arrive in the condition to do training sessions and to play.” This blunt assessment raises serious questions about the midfielder’s professionalism during the World Cup campaign.
What makes this situation particularly puzzling is that Phillips was under the supervision of England’s nutritionists and fitness staff throughout the tournament. Guardiola firmly dismissed suggestions that the national team setup might share responsibility: “No, no, no, no. Absolutely. That’s why he cannot play.”
Phillips during England training in Qatar – now at the center of a fitness controversy
The Bigger Picture: City’s Midfield Conundrum
This development couldn’t come at a worse time for Manchester City. With a packed festive schedule ahead, Guardiola admitted: “We need him, we need him a lot.” The absence of another World Cup participant, Ruben Dias (hamstring injury), compounds City’s selection headaches.
Football analyst Mark Thompson told Six6s: “This situation highlights the challenges top clubs face with players returning from international duty. The standards at City under Guardiola are notoriously high, and Phillips now faces an uphill battle to regain his manager’s trust.”
Rising Star: Rico Lewis Shines Bright
While Phillips struggles, another story emerges from the Etihad – the meteoric rise of 18-year-old Rico Lewis. The academy graduate delivered another stellar performance against Liverpool, building on his Champions League goal against Sevilla earlier in the season.
Teenage sensation Rico Lewis has seized his opportunities in the first team
Guardiola couldn’t contain his praise: “I have the feeling that without him we could not play the way we played… We have an incredible right full-back with us for the next few years.” The manager went as far as predicting Lewis will dominate the next decade at City, calling his performance against Liverpool’s star-studded attack “outstanding.”
What’s Next for Manchester City?
City face a grueling schedule as Premier League action resumes:
- Dec 28: Leeds United (A) – Phillips‘ former club
- Dec 31: Everton (H)
- Jan 5: Chelsea (A)
- Jan 8: Chelsea (H) – FA Cup
- Jan 10: Southampton (A) – Carabao Cup
- Jan 14: Manchester United (A)
- Jan 19: Tottenham (H)
- Jan 22: Wolves (H)
The Road Ahead for Phillips
This incident serves as a wake-up call for Kalvin Phillips. Having made just four substitute appearances this season due to a shoulder injury, the midfielder now faces another setback. His ability to respond to Guardiola’s public challenge will determine whether he becomes a key part of City’s title push or remains on the periphery.
As Guardiola emphasized: “When he will be ready, he will play.” For now, all eyes are on Phillips’ fitness regime and whether he can quickly regain the condition required to contribute to City’s trophy ambitions.
Six6s will continue to monitor this developing story and provide expert analysis as the situation unfolds. What are your thoughts on Guardiola’s handling of the situation? Share your views in the comments below.
