In the aftermath of Kalvin Phillips netting his inaugural goal for Manchester City in their 3-2 victory against Crvena Zvezda, Pep Guardiola showered praise on the midfielder, emphasizing his satisfaction with Phillips taking on penalty duties. Despite only making his second start of the season in the Champions League clash, Phillips played a pivotal role in securing the win, contributing to City’s flawless league record.
With City leading 2-1 and a penalty awarded, initial expectations pointed towards Phil Foden as the designated taker. However, after discussions between Phillips and Bernardo Silva during the game, it was decided that the former Leeds player would step up. Guardiola lauded Phillips’ composure from the spot, expressing, “He takes things so well,” acknowledging the challenging circumstances due to the aggressive opposition tactics.
Guardiola addressed the ongoing speculation surrounding Phillips’ future, as the midfielder has seen limited playing time since his move from Elland Road to the Etihad. Linked with Juventus and Newcastle, Phillips needs consistent club football to bolster his chances for the upcoming Euros. When queried about Phillips’ potential departure after the January transfer window, Guardiola remained non-committal, stating, “I don’t know what’s going to happen.”
Despite the uncertainty, Guardiola emphasized Phillips’ immediate role within the team, recognizing the busy schedule ahead and expressing hope that the midfielder can contribute positively. Some observers noted Phillips’ subdued celebration after scoring, interpreting it as a sign of awareness about a potential departure. Nevertheless, Guardiola remained focused on the upcoming fixtures, keeping the door open for Phillips to make a meaningful impact in the team.
