Pep Guardiola talks with manager he called 'best in the world' as Man City transfer 'almost complete'

Kalvin Phillips' dream move to Manchester City hasn't panned out as many would have hoped. The 31-time England international has failed to make an impact under Pep Guardiola since his £42m move from Leeds United in 2022.

After a disappointing loan spell at West Ham, the reigning champions considered a permanent sale – but have now reversed course, agreeing a loan move to Ipswich Town. His potential to succeed at the highest level was spotted years before his move, with Marcelo Bielsa personally informing Guardiola.

The City boss, who had already sought advice from Bielsa before embarking on his own illustrious managerial career, revealed after Phillips' signing: “Marcelo spoke about him three or four years ago in his first or second season at Leeds.

“He talked about him in the Championship and that was the first time I thought: OK, Kalvin Phillips plays for Leeds. He talked to me and said he was a really, really good guy and that maybe one day – not now for Manchester City – he could play for a top team. And then he proved Marcelo right again.”

Guardiola's respect for Bielsa is well documented, considering him the best coach in world football in 2017. That esteem no doubt influenced the decision to bring Phillips on board, with the hope that he would flourish under Guardiola's tutelage.

“It's important for me to say this about Marcelo because it doesn't matter how many titles he's won in his career,” Guardiola explained seven years ago. “We're judged on that: our success, the number of titles we've won.”

“But that has much less influence than the way he influenced football and its players. That's why, for me, he is the best coach in the world.”

If Guardiola trusted Bielsa's opinion on Phillips, he also trusted his own ability. After the midfielder's poor start to his City career, he said: “In terms of quality of long balls, Kalvin is better than Rodri.”

“In tight spaces and early actions, Rodri is better. Each has his qualities, but they can play together, especially when you have two defensive midfielders.

“He understands where the ball is coming from, he's strong in the air and has the quality to break through the lines to the wingers and inside. He needs to improve the reception from the centre-backs, but it's a matter of time.

“At Leeds he played laterally but he has the ability to do it. He had the mentality to train with Marcelo Bielsa with the resilience and the fighting spirit. I thought he could fit in with us, and I'm confident that will happen.”

With no option to buy in his Ipswich deal, it is clear that this temporary departure does not yet signal the end of his City career. But it could well be Guardiola's final throw of the dice as he extends his trust in Bielsa's judgment.