Kalvin Phillips throws darts at Guardiola after the Spaniard dismissed him

Once hailed as one of England’s most promising midfielders after a stellar stint at Leeds United, Phillips's transition to the elite level has not gone as planned. The high expectations set by Pep Guardiola for him to be the ideal backup for Rodri have yet to be met, leaving many to question his capabilities and opportunities at the club.

During his first season at City, Phillips found himself on the sidelines more often than not, featuring in only 21 matches, with just four of those as a starter. As doubts about his fitness arose, including comments from Guardiola regarding his weight, the pressure mounted.

In an effort to regain his form, Phillips was loaned to West Ham, but limited playing time there only compounded his struggles. This led to a return to City, where his hefty salary made permanent transfer options nearly impossible, prompting yet another loan move—this time to Ipswich Town.

Under the guidance of Ipswich’s coach Kieran McKenna, Phillips is striving to reclaim his best form. Having played five matches since his arrival, he is optimistic about turning his fortunes around.

In a recent podcast with the BBC, he opened up about the frustrations he faced at City, particularly the weight controversy that overshadowed his performance post-2022 World Cup. Phillips expressed his desire to return to the level he showcased at Leeds, stating that McKenna's support has been instrumental in his journey back.

• Kalvin Phillips joined Manchester City in 2022 but struggled to secure a place in the starting lineup.
• He played only 21 matches in his first season, raising concerns about his fitness.
• After a disappointing loan spell at West Ham, he is now with Ipswich Town on loan.
• Phillips is focused on regaining his form with the support of Ipswich's coach, Kieran McKenna.
• He expressed frustration over comments about his weight made by Guardiola and the media.