Pep Guardiola has explained that Marcelo Bielsa told him Kalvin Phillips would one day play for a top team when they were both still in the Championship at Leeds United. The Argentine’s prediction came true this summer when Manchester City moved to sign England international Phillips from Leeds in order to replace departed legend Fernandinho. Though Guardiola didn’t talk to Bielsa before making the move, he does recall his mentor praising him highly several years ago.
Pep Guardiola said: “No. He spoke about him three or four years ago in the first or second season and he spoke about him. It was in the Championship and it was the first time I realised Kalvin played for Leeds. He spoke with me and said he was a guy who is really good, maybe not for now for Manchester City but he can play in a top team maybe one day. After he proved Marcelo was not wrong and he was promoted in the Premier League, played for the national team and that is to his credit. After Fernandinho decided to go to Brazil, we were looking for a holding midfielder and we thought he was perfect for us.”
It’s been a slow start to life at City for Phillips, who has played just a minute of football so far after missing the win over Bournemouth due to injury. Guardiola has admitted that City are being patient in order not to aggravate his ailment further.
Pep Guardiola added: “We don’t have doubts. He’s an England player and made incredible improvements as a player since working with Marcelo Bielsa. He’s British, which helps a lot in the Premier League. Last season he had injuries and we have to be careful right now because the little disturbance that he had right now we try to avoid in the future and he’s going to adapt. He has to know some things we are doing and Rodri right now is a step ahead of him in the position but from September there is a game every three days and we will need him and he will prove his value. We know he is an exceptional person that helps a lot. He has settled perfectly. We knew Kyle and John and Phil for the English national team players and he settled perfectly and so quick.”
Joao Cancelo is expecting big things from Sergio Gomez after the Spanish defender completed his move to Manchester City. Cancelo does not have any doubts over Gomez’s ability given his football upbringing, and is looking forward to the competition that should increase more as the new addition learns from Guardiola.
Joao Cancelo said: “Spanish players always have talent and he has great qualities. He comes from FC Barcelona Academy, so there isn’t much more you need to add. We have competition in all the positions in the squad. The best teams in the world need it to be always up there. I want competition in my position too, because it makes you a better player and it makes him a better player. I think the quality of the team is going to increase thanks to the competition. Guardiola is obviously a key factor in this team. He gives us the coordinates and we follow him. We believe in him and we believe in the way he sees football. Personally, he helps me a lot every day and I learn with him every day. Nowadays, I can play in more positions because he made me a better player. I can see things now that I didn’t see before. He is the main reason for the growth I have experienced since my arrival to the club.”
