Pep Guardiola has sent two messages to Kalvin Phillips about his Man City future

When Netherlands hero Arjen Robben cut in on his left foot during his playing days, defenders often recounted how they knew what was coming but couldn’t stop it.

Would it be too harsh to use that illustration for Kalvin Phillips’ stay at Manchester City? It seems no matter how hard he tries, an exit is inevitable. Rodri’s suspension was his time to step in and shine.

The England star himself admitted his teammate’s red card against Nottingham Forest signalled one of the biggest weeks of his Blues stay. It began with a start against Newcastle United in the League Cup.

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Phillips did OK but was hardly convincing as City suffered their first defeat of the season. He was dropped from the subsequent line-up against Wolves with Matheus Nunes preferred and Mateo Kovacic back from injury. Phillips came on in the second half but suffered yet another defeat.

The 27-year-old remained on the bench against RB Leipzig with Rico Lewis starring in his wake. Phillips was unused in the loss to Arsenal in what was Rodri’s final game on the sidelines.

Pep Guardiola has sent a clear message to Phillips, not for the first time, and he must read the room. When he first arrived at City, many were wondering whether he could challenge Rodri for his place.

While the Spaniard has grown into the best defensive midfielder in the world, Phillips has regressed.

His best hope for game time is coming under Gareth Southgate with England. He is not the only one in that camp with Harry Maguire facing a similar situation at Manchester United, but that isn't a comparison that brings any sort of comfort.

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