The Manchester City manager has not glossed over his misgivings with the midfielder.
When Netherlands hero Arjen Robben cut in on his left foot during his playing days, defenders often recounted how they knew what was coming but couldn’t stop it.
Phillips did OK but was hardly convincing as City suffered their first defeat of the season. He was dropped from the subsequent line-up against Wolves with Matheus Nunes preferred and Mateo Kovacic back from injury. Phillips came on in the second half but suffered yet another defeat. While the Spaniard has grown into the best defensive midfielder in the world, Phillips has regressed.
Phillips has been loyal to the City cause himself. He has been determined to show he can cut it at the Etihad, despite all the signs pointing to otherwise. Speaking at the same media meet in September, Guardiola conceded that he is failing to get the best out of Phillips and perhaps never will, due to how differently he operates to former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.
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