Phillips a perfect replacement for Fernandinho - Guardiola
The Spanish coach believes that Phillips can play well in the center of his team's midfield.
Pep Guardiola believes
Kalvin Phillipsis the perfect replacement for
Fernandinhoto increase the chances of him starting the game for the first time.
Fernandinho left
Man Cityin the summer and Phillips joined City from Leeds United for £45m. However, he was injured in training and has not yet been included in the Premier League champion's lineup. However, the English star has returned to his full fitness and is expected to be in the starting line-up against Newcastle United.
Pep said:
"He [Bielsa] spoke about him three or four years ago," Guardiola said. "He spoke about him when he was in the Championship.
"It was the first time I realised Kalvin Phillips played for Leeds and he [Bielsa] spoke with me: 'There is a guy who is really, really good, maybe not now for Manchester City but maybe one day he can play in the top teams.'
"After he proved Marcelo was not wrong, [he was] promoted to Premier League and national team.
"The steps they have done is for Kalvin's and Leeds' credit. After Fernandinho decided to go to Brazil, the rest is history.
"We were looking for a holding midfielder and we thought he was perfect for us."
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