Aoba Tanaka 
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has publicly apologized to midfielder Kalvin Phillips for previously describing him as “overweight” after the Qatar World Cup. The apology comes amid concerns raised by Phillips regarding the impact of Guardiola’s comments on his confidence.
Guardiola made the controversial remarks in December 2022, providing an explanation for Phillips’ omission from the squad during a Carabao Cup fourth-round match against Liverpool. Phillips, now on loan at West Ham, recently expressed how the comments had significantly affected his confidence.
In response to the situation, Guardiola expressed regret, stating, “I’m sorry. I do apologize to him. I’m so sorry.” Guardiola clarified that he had addressed the matter directly with Phillips, emphasizing that he never made such statements to the media without prior communication with the player involved.
The incident occurred when Phillips, 28, returned from representing England at the World Cup and was granted a short break. Guardiola’s acknowledgment of the potential impact on Phillips’ mental state reflects a commitment to maintaining open communication with his players.
Phillips’ loan spell at West Ham has presented its own set of challenges, including notable moments in recent matches. Despite his contributions, such as assisting a goal and making key plays, the midfielder faced setbacks, including an unfortunate own goal and a red card for two bookable offenses within three minutes in a match against Nottingham Forest.
The apology from Guardiola aims to address any adverse effects of his previous comments and foster a positive environment for Phillips as he navigates challenges in his current loan stint at West Ham. The public acknowledgment of the apology reflects Guardiola’s commitment to player well-being and team dynamics.
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