Guardiola Apologizes To Kalvin Phillips For Comments On Excess Weight

Pep Guardiola and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips (doc. Sky Sports).

JAKARTA - Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has apologized to Kalvin Phillips for publicly saying he has returned from the 2022 World Cup overweight.

Guardiola made the comments at a press conference in December 2022 after removing the midfielder from the Carabao Cup fourth round match against Liverpool.

Guardiola's statement surfaced again when Phillips, who joined West Ham on loan in January 2024, alluded to him earlier this month.

"After the World Cup (2022) it might be the most difficult time, when Pep came out and said I was overweight."

"I don't disagree with him, but obviously I got a big blow to my confidence and my feelings at City," Phillips told The Observer.

Guardiola immediately responded to Phillips' statement on Monday, February 19, 2024, during a press conference session. He regretted announcing Phillips' weight to the public.

"Yes, I apologize. Once in eight years is not bad. However, I am very sorry. I apologize to him. I am sorry. I am sorry," said Guardiola.

However, Guardiola defended himself. He stressed that Phillips' comments about Phillips' weight had already been discussed with the player before turning him to the public.

The former Barcelona manager also mentioned that he did not tell other players about this.

"I've never, never before. I say something here doesn't talk to the players in that case," Guardiola said again.