“This is now the right and perfect time for me to speak out and address the public about the issue because i feel Manchester City fans deserve to know some of the things that happened behind the camera”- Kelvin Phillips reveals the hidden truth and what Pep Guardiola said to him

Pep Guardiola has issued Kalvin Phillips two messages on his future at Manchester City.

When Arjen Robben of the Netherlands cut in on his left foot during his playing days, defenders often remarked on how they saw what was coming but couldn’t stop it.

Is it too harsh to use that illustration to describe Kalvin Phillips’ time at Manchester City? It appears that no matter how hard he tries, an exit is unavoidable. Rodri’s suspension gave him the opportunity to shine.

The England international confessed that his teammate’s red card against Nottingham Forest signified one of the most important weeks of his Blues tenure. It all started with a start in the League Cup against Newcastle United.

Phillips performed admirably but was far from impressive as City suffered their first defeat of the season. He was left out of the starting lineup against Wolves, with Matheus Nunes preferred and Mateo Kovacic returning from injury. Phillips came on in the second half but was defeated again.

The 27-year-old sat on the bench against RB Leipzig, leaving Rico Lewis to shine. Phillips was not utilised in Arsenal’s loss, which was Rodri’s final game on the bench.

Not for the first time, Pep Guardiola has conveyed a clear message to Phillips, and he must read the room. Many people wondered when he first arrived at City if he could challenge Rodri for his spot.

While the Spaniard has developed into the world’s best defensive midfielder, Phillips has deteriorated.

His best chance for game time is with England under Gareth Southgate. He’s not the only one in that camp, with Harry Maguire in a similar scenario at Manchester United, but it’s not a comforting analogy.

Despite their importance in the last edition, both players must be concerned about their Euro 2024 positions. Southgate’s loyalty is a lifeline, but even he has stated that he will consider Euros team spots after considering club game time.

Phillips has been a staunch supporter of the City cause. Despite all indications to the contrary, he has been motivated to prove his worth at the Etihad.

“The club spoke with him because he did not have many minutes,” Guardiola said last month of Phillips. “‘No, I want to stay,’ he said.” We recruited Kalvin here because of his calibre. He is open-minded, eager to learn, and eager to assist. This is what we intend to try.”

That’s admirable, but is it prudent? Perhaps his position has shifted as a result of Guardiola’s admission about his form at City.

Guardiola admitted at the same press conference in September that he is failing to get the best out of Phillips and may never do so since he operates differently from former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa.

“Marcelo gave Kalvin the best of Kalvin’s career,” the Catalan stated. I wish I could have done to Kalvin what Marcelo has done to him.

“We have our own specific way to play and (he) sometimes struggles in a few things, while the previous (Leeds playing style) was perfect (for him).”

That should have set off alarm bells. This was, of course, prior to his exclusions against Wolves, Leipzig, and Arsenal. Of course, there isn’t much Phillips can do right now but keep his head down and pound the training ground as hard as he can.

However, winter is approaching, as is the January market. The Yorkshireman should see this as an opportunity to relaunch his career. After all, Guardiola’s news conference statements and team choices have clearly sent him warnings about his City future.