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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a public apology to midfielder Kalvin Phillips for remarks made regarding his weight following the Qatar World Cup. Guardiola expressed regret over his comments, acknowledging their negative impact on Phillips’ confidence.
The controversy arose in December 2022 when Guardiola attributed Phillips’ absence from the squad for a Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool to concerns about his weight. Phillips, who has since joined West Ham on loan, admitted that Guardiola’s remarks had dealt a blow to his morale.
“I’m sorry,” Guardiola stated, extending his apology to Phillips. “I do apologise to him. I’m so sorry.”
Guardiola clarified that he had addressed the issue directly with Phillips upon his return from the World Cup, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining open communication with players.
“I did speak about that,” Guardiola affirmed. “I never before said something here [to the media] without speaking to the player.”
Phillips’ loan spell at West Ham has been marred by setbacks, including a series of on-field challenges. Despite his undeniable talent, Phillips has faced scrutiny following recent performances, including a red card in a match against Nottingham Forest.
