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Kalvin Phillips has opened up about the “narratives” that followed former Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s comments regarding his weight, admitting it left him “frustrated.” Guardiola had remarked in December 2022 that Phillips returned from the Qatar World Cup “overweight,” a comment that Phillips says sparked ongoing speculation about his fitness.
In a candid discussion on the “My Mate’s a Footballer” podcast, Phillips, currently on loan at Ipswich, revealed that the comment impacted his reputation at every club he has since visited. “Every club that I’d go to… they’d always speak about weight before they’d say anything else,” he shared.
Phillips also expressed admiration for Guardiola’s footballing mind, recounting how the manager’s tactical foresight often played out exactly as predicted, describing himself as “gobsmacked” by Guardiola’s vision.
Additionally, Phillips reflected on the criticism England faced from former players during Euro 2024. He said he was shocked by the negativity but praised the England squad for handling it well as they reached the tournament’s final.
Now at Ipswich, Phillips is enjoying life under manager Kieran McKenna, saying he immediately felt trust from the coach. Although Ipswich have yet to win a game this season, Phillips remains optimistic and is embracing the new chapter of his career.
