Kalvin Phillips has already told Pep Guardiola what he wants to hear ahead of Man City move

Plenty of time and analysis goes into discovering what keeps a Premier League footballer at the top of his game.

No doubt sports scientists have dedicated hours of research into how nutrition and elite performance training helps to sustain a player's career. However, for some, the simple methods are the most successful.

It would appear that Pep Guardiola and Kalvin Phillips have the exact same mindset. This has been proven in their attitudes towards football.

ALSO READ: Pep Guardiola told Man City signing Kalvin Phillips can offset high-profile departure

When asked about Raheem Sterling's form last year, Guardiola took the time to explain his opinion on how unhelpful putting pressure on his players can be. "I’ve always said to the players to make demands of yourself but don’t put a lot of pressure on your shoulders," he explained.

"In a career as a player, you cannot always be 10 out of 10. You have highs and lows.

"The important thing is not to get that low. When you’re doing well, you want to perform and achieve the stats you have done in the past.

"We’ve won Premier Leagues but I’m not sat here thinking we have to win Premier Leagues. I want to live good and to live good is to take responsibility and relax - do your best, perform to your maximum.

"But at a team like Man City, being a success doesn’t depend absolutely on you. There are many reasons.

"Go on the pitch when you have the opportunity to play and do your best. That’s all."

This philosophy has worked wonders for Guardiola over the years. City's dominance in the Premier League has been fueled by this almost unnatural ability to relax when things start going against them - the final day victory over Aston Villa was a prime example of this.

Speaking to the