“I’m so sorry” — Man City boss Pep Guardiola sends earnest APOLOGY to player he called ‘overweight’

England International Kalvin Phillips‘ time at Manchester City was nothing short of a failure. The 28-year-old failed to find a spot in Pep Guardiola‘s line-up and soon became a regular face on the Manchester City bench. The player only made 31 appearances for City, starting just 6 games over 2 seasons for Pep Guardiola. The latter recently apologized for a comment made earlier, in which the Spaniard criticized his weight.

Phillips’ struggle to fit in and the brutal comment from Pep Guardiola outlined his time with the champions. In a recent interview, the manager was asked if he regretted his comment.

Guardiola replied,

I'm sorry. Once in eight years is not bad, but I'm so sorry. I do apologize to him. 

He also reiterated that he clarified things with Phillips before revealing the same to the press.

The City boss also stated that he ‘never’ announces in front of the press before talking to the player(s) concerned. As for Phillips, 2 seasons and 31 appearances later, the midfielder finds himself on a loan move to Aston Villa. However, his fortunes still haven’t had a change for the good, as his first four games have been ‘average’ to say the least.

To top things off, his most recent game against Nottingham Forest ended in a sending-off. This makes fans beg the question – who is the real loser in this deal; City who paid $55 million or Phillips, who threw away crucial years of his career?

Guardiola claims Chelsea draw hasn’t put more ‘pressure’ on players

No manager or team will make the mistake of writing off Manchester City in the Premier League title race. The Citizens have proven time and again that the club somehow manages to get things done at the business end of the season. Things were lined up perfectly for City on Saturday as the defending champions took to the pitch against Chelsea. A win would’ve seen the club go ahead of Liverpool with a game in hand.

However, City dropped points at home and saw Liverpool pull away with a four-point lead as it stands. However, Pep Guardiola claimed that the draw has not added pressure to his players. He said,

We were more than decent against Chelsea. If we had won 3-0 against Chelsea, the fire would be the same to win the next game. We've been better (since the loss to Aston Villa), but I can't guarantee anything.

City’s next games feature a relatively easy run of games against Brentford, Bournemouth, and Luton Town before taking on Manchester United at home. As it stands, this year’s Premier League title will culminate in a three-horse race, with either Man City, Liverpool or Arsenal taking home the trophy. With Jurgen Klopp’s departure confirmed it will be up to City to spoil the dream farewell for the boys from Anfield.

In case you missed it:

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