Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola has apologized for saying that Kalvin Phillips was “too fat” after returning from the Qatar World Cup.
Guardiola made the comments in December 2022, explaining why Phillips was left out of the squad for the Carabao Cup fourth round match against Liverpool.
When asked about the comments earlier this month, Phillips admitted they had “shaken my confidence.”
Manager Guardiola said, “I'm sorry.'' “I apologize to him. I'm really sorry.”
Guardiola said he had discussed the issue with the 28-year-old, who joined West Ham on loan last month, when he returned from a short break immediately after the World Cup.
“We have certainly talked about that,” the city boss added. “I've never said anything here before [to the media] without talking to the player. ”
Phillips had a difficult start to his loan spell at West Ham.
The former Leeds midfielder scored a goal for Bournemouth with his first touch for the club in a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium on February 1, followed by three goals against Manchester United three days later and Nottingham on Saturday. In the 0-0 loss, he was responsible for conceding an additional goal. Forest was sent off for two offenses within the first three minutes as the Hammers lost 2-0.