Pep Guardiola has long drawn inspiration from Marcelo Bielsa, beginning from the very start of his managerial career. This deep connection might explain Manchester City’s decision to send Kalvin Phillips out on loan, with the hope that a temporary move could reignite the midfielder’s form.
Kalvin Phillips’ journey at Manchester City has not gone as Guardiola envisioned when he first consulted Bielsa about the player. The England international, with 31 caps to his name, has seen his stock decline for both club and country since his £42 million transfer from Leeds United in 2022. Following a challenging and largely unproductive loan spell at West Ham in the latter half of last season, Phillips is now set to embark on a new chapter at Ipswich Town, who are on the verge of finalizing his loan deal.
Phillips’ potential has always been apparent, but few recognized it as early as Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine coach, who became Leeds United’s manager in 2018, was quick to bring Phillips to Guardiola’s attention. Bielsa had always been a mentor to Guardiola, who had sought his advice even before stepping into management.
“Marcelo spoke about him three or four years ago during his first or second season at Leeds,” Guardiola recalled after Phillips joined Manchester City. “He mentioned him when he was in the Championship, and that was the first time I thought, ‘Okay, Kalvin Phillips is someone to watch.'”
Guardiola further revealed Bielsa’s insights: “He said Kalvin was a player with great potential, and that while he might not be ready for Manchester City at that time, he had the ability to reach the top level. And, as always, Marcelo was right.”
Bielsa’s high regard for Phillips undoubtedly influenced Guardiola’s decision to bring the player to the Etihad. Guardiola has never shied away from praising Bielsa, even calling him the best coach in the world.
“It’s important for me to say this about Marcelo,” Guardiola emphasized in 2017. “It doesn’t matter how many titles he has won in his career. We are often judged by our success and the trophies we collect. But what’s more significant is the impact he has had on football and his players. That’s why, for me, he is the best coach in the world.”
Guardiola not only trusted Bielsa’s assessment but also had confidence in Phillips’ abilities. Despite the injuries that have hampered Phillips’ start at Manchester City, Guardiola remains optimistic about the player’s potential. “Kalvin’s long-ball quality surpasses Rodri’s, though Rodri is better in tight spaces and first actions,” he explained.
Guardiola continued, “Each player has their own strengths, and they can complement each other, especially when you use two holding midfielders. Kalvin is strong in the air, understands where the ball is going, and can break lines with his passing. He just needs time to adjust his play to our style, especially in receiving the ball from central defenders. At Leeds, he was more lateral, but he has the capability to adapt.”
Guardiola also highlighted Phillips’ resilience, honed under Bielsa’s demanding training regime, as a key factor in his belief that the midfielder will eventually thrive at City. “He trained with Bielsa, which requires incredible resilience and fight. I believed he could integrate into our squad, and I’m still convinced it will happen.”
The fact that Phillips’ loan to Ipswich does not include an option to buy is a clear signal that his time at Manchester City is not over. Instead, this move appears to be a strategic step to help Phillips regain his form and make a strong return to Guardiola’s squad, ready to compete once again.
