Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly angry after Kalvin Philips returned from the 2022 World Cup overweight.
The former Leeds star incensed his manager Pep Guardiola after the latter confirmed he has added weight after returning from the 2022 World Cup.
Kalvin Philips was named in England’s 26-man World Cup squad and followed the team to Qatar for the tournament.
Philips must have hoped to build on his Manchester City career with a good World Cup outing for the Three Lions, but the reverse was the case.
The 27-year-old England star fell off the pecking order in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad in Qatar and was benched in most matches.
He did not start England’s World Cup opener against Iran and was benched against the USA. Kalvin featured in the last group game against Wales, starting from the bench.
Against Senegal in round 16, Kalvin Philips started from the bench again. Throughout the tournament, he played for only forty minutes in both matches.
While Kalvin Philip made England’s World Cup squad, it was pretty clear he may not make it to Gareth Southgate’s starting lineup since he was just returning from a shoulder injury before joining the tournament, and had to battle for a place with more competent legs at Gareth Southgate’s disposal.
Now, the £42million Manchester City signing from Leeds has turned the tides against himself after he returned to Etihad from the World Cup overweight.
Since joining Manchester City from Leeds, Kalvin Philips has made only one appearance for the club and has been consigned to the bench by Pep Guardiola.
Manchester City took on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup round 16 in their first competitive match after the World Cup break as they prepare for Premier League resumption.
Kalvin Philips was a surprise exclusion from the squad that faced Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. He was not even included in the substitutes.
When asked why Phillips was omitted in a post-match press conference, Guardiola confirmed Kalvin is not injured but has returned from the World Cup overweight. Guardiola further added Kalvin could not train and could not be included in the squad due to his new condition.
“He is not injured, he arrived overweight”, the Spaniard said.
“I don’t know (why he is overweight). He didn’t arrive in the conditions to (take part) in training sessions and to play.
“That’s why he cannot play. When he will be ready, he will play, but we need him. We need him a lot.”
Guardiola said he will address the matter with Phillips during a “private conversation.”
As it stands, the central midfielder will not start Manchester City’s Premier League clash against his former team Leeds United at Elland Road.
He may not also feature in Manchester City’s next game against Everton at Etihad on December 31. Kalvin Philips now faces the uphill task of returning to Manchester City’s starting lineup.
He will undergo a personal training program as recommended by Pep Guardiola to regain his balance and return to the team.
Since joining the Etihad, he is yet to record a goal or an assist and has made only one appearance for the team.
