Pep Guardiola has revealed the role his mentor Marcelo Bielsa played when Calvin Phillips finally joined Premier League champions Manchester City this summer (Ian Whittell writes). The England midfielder was limited to just one minute of football in the new season as a substitute in the weekend’s opening win at West Ham due to an unspecified injury. But Phillips is in the squad for today’s visit of Newcastle, where he could challenge for his first start since his £42m move from Leeds was confirmed last month. And that was the culmination of City manager Guardiola’s long-term interest in Phillips. which was thanks to then Leeds manager Bielsa. “Marcelo spoke about Calvin three or four years ago. It was the first or second season when Marcelo was at Leeds,” Guardiola said. “It was in the Championship and that was the first time I realized that Calvin Phillips was playing for Leeds. “He said to me, ‘This guy is really, really good. Maybe he’s not ready for Manchester City now, but one day he can play in the top, top teams.” “He proved that Marcelo was not wrong. He was promoted to the Premier League and played for the national team. Credit goes to Kalvin and Leeds. “When Fernandino decided to go to Brazil, we were looking for a midfielder and we thought Calvin was perfect for us.” Bielsa’s prediction has been borne out, notably on the international stage, where Phillips has become a cornerstone of Gareth Southgate’s England side. At City, he will have to compete with Rodri for the central attacking role that Guardiola usually occupies, but his new manager has no doubt that Phillips will be up to the task. “We have no doubts about Kalvin,” he said. “He has made incredible improvement as a player. He’s British – and that helps in the Premier League. Last season he had injuries so we have to be careful at the moment. It was a little worrying that he had problems last week, but I’m sure he’ll adjust. “Of course, he has to learn some of the things we do and at the moment Rodri is a step ahead of him in that position. But from September when we play every three days we will need him and he will show how valuable he is. Plus, we know he’s a great kid.”
