Pep's got a confession to make: "I've failed with Kalvin Phillips"

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits he has failed to get the best out of Kalvin Phillips since signing him from Leeds United back in 2022. Despite his £45m fee, the 27-year-old started only a handful of times for City, and will probably do so on Wednesday night when the Cityzens take on Newcastle in the EFL Cup at St James' Park on Wednesday.

"Marcelo [Bielsa] gave Kalvin the best of Kalvin in his career," said Guardiola, pointing out the fact Phillips became an England international under Bielsa's stewardship while they were still in the EFL Championship.

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"I'd love to have done with Kalvin what Marcelo has done to him. We have our own specific way to play and [he] sometimes struggles in a few things, while the previous [Leeds playing style] was perfect [for him]," added Guardiola.

Phillips' lack of involvement is even more blatant given two of his previous four starts came at the end of last season, after City had already secured their third successive Premier League title.

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But with fellow holding midfielder Rodri suspended for three matches following his red card for violent conduct against Nottingham Forest, Phillips finally has a chance to play a meaningful role under Pep after turning down the opportunity to leave the club in the recently ended transfer window.

"The club spoke with him because he did not have many minutes," said Guardiola. "He said 'no, I want to stay'.

"We brought Kalvin here for his quality. He is open-minded, always wants to learn and wants to help. This is what we want to try to do."

EFL CUP - ROUND OF 32

Tuesday

Bradford City - Middlesbrough 0-2 (0-1)

/Latte Lath 21, Rogers 54/

Exeter - Luton 1-0 (0-0)

/Mitchell 83/

Ipswich Town - Wolves 3-2 (2-2)

/Hutchinson 28, Ladapo 39, Taylor 58 - Hwang 4, Toti 15/

Mansfield - Peterborough 2-2 (1-1)

/Swan 5 pen Akins 90+3 pen - Clarke-Harris 30, 47/

Mansfield win on penalties

Port Vale - Sutton 2-1 (0-0)

/Thomas 49, Ojo 83 - Kasimu 70/

Salford - Burnley 0-4 (0-3)

/Berge 12, Larsen 20, O'Shea 27, Odobert 81/

Manchester United - Crystal Palace 3-0 (2-0)

/Garnacho 21, Casemiro 27, Martial 55/

Wednesday

21.45: (1.75) Aston Villa (3.60) Everton (4.90)

21.45: (2.05) Blackburn (3.50) Cardiff (3.60)

21.45: (1.65) Bournemouth (3.70) Stoke (5.60)

21.45: (3.45) Brentford (3.50) Arsenal (2.10)

21.45: (2.45) Chelsea (3.45) Brighton (2.80)

21.45: (1.60) Fulham (3.90) Norwich (5.80)

21.45: (9.00) Lincoln City (5.00) West Ham (1.35)

21.45: (1.45) Liverpool (4.50) Leicester (7.00)

22.00: (2.80) Newcastle (3.40) Man City (2.50)

***odds are subject to change