Kalvin Phillips was criticised by Pep Guardiola (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has apologised to Kalvin Phillips for calling him ‘overweight’ following the 2022 World Cup and says he regrets the comments.
The England international joined West Ham on loan last month after a miserable 18 months at the Etihad after joining from Leeds United.
The 28-year-old was labelled ‘overweight’ by Guardiola after being left out of City’s Carabao Cup game against Liverpool in January 2023.
Phillips said the comments were a ‘big knock to my confidence’ after making his move to the London Stadium in January.
Phillips joined West Ham on loan Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport/Getty Images)
‘I’m sorry,’ said Guardiola, after being asked about the comments.
‘I do apologise to him. I’m so sorry.’
Guardiola says he spoke to Phillips about his weight before making the comments in the press conference.
‘I did speak about that,’ added the City boss.
‘I never before said something here [to the media] without speaking to the player.’
Phillips has endured a torrid time since joining West Ham.
He gave away a goal to Bournemouth with his first touch on his debut, was culpable for a goal against Manchester United during his second outing and was sent off against Nottingham Forest on the weekend for two bookable offences within three minutes.
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