Pep Guardiola sends telling Kalvin Phillips transfer reminder
Kalvin Phillips impressed at centre-back in Manchester City's friendly with Barcelona, but Pep Guardiola's assessment of his performance was a damning reminder of where he stands.
Pep Guardiola dropped Kalvin Phillips into the defence because he 'struggles in the small spaces' when playing in midfield.
Phillips has played in each of Manchester City's three pre-season friendlies, but was unconvincing in midfield against Celtic and AC Milan. He was much improved as a makeshift centre-back against Barcelona, playing 90 minutes and looking far more comfortable in a back four in the 2-2 draw.
Guardiola explained his reasoning for the positional switch, saying Phillips struggles in midfield, and said he still doesn't know if the former Leeds United man will leave the club this summer.
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"Kalvin I don't know what is going to happen with his situation," said the City chief. "He was really good for the problems we had. I know Kalvin when he gets the ball and can see all the pitch in front of him he's a really good player. When he has the small spaces there are more problems.
"That's why with the problems we have he makes an incredible effort with his position. He was confident with the ball and helps us a lot. I'm really pleased with his performance."
Guardiola had said last season he couldn't see Phillips in his system in games that required control, instead viewing him as a player for when they needed 'chaos' - hardly something commonly associated with his City sides.
Asked if he could see a path for Phillips this season - amid interest from Everton and other European clubs - the City manager instead chose to talk about other players. He also listed his midfield options and didn't namecheck Phillips.
"When we have all our central defenders, we have a lot of central defenders," the boss said. "That's why it's not his position, we will see. Now he's helping us and it's good for us. I had the feeling that every day we get better. I want to say thank you for Rico (Lewis) and Oscar (Bobb), especially Rico for playing 90 minutes three times. His consistency.
"Nico O'Reilly, we saw him last season training with us. He's a guy who will be a player. His maturity, with and without the ball, many things. He did many good things. A few young players I don't give minutes but with the problems we have, the lack of preparation, playing games against tough opponents. Improve all three games, I'm very pleased."