Man City news: Kalvin Phillips ‘won’t forgive’ Pep Guardiola after fresh twist – Agbonlahor
Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested Kalvin Phillips “won’t forgive” Man City boss Pep Guardiola for his public criticism.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed it “doesn’t make sense” for Guardiola to continue giving opposition fans “ammunition” against the 27-year-old.
The City boss went public (as per Sky Sports, 25 December) last month to condemn Phillips for being “overweight” and not in the right condition to train after he returned from the World Cup.
The England ace has since fielded chants from opposition fans and was hauled off after 63 minutes in his full debut in the loss against Southampton on Wednesday (11 January).
As quoted by talkSPORT (9 January), Guardiola admitted he has found fan chants about Phillips “funny” and warned the ex-Leeds star that he must be “perfect” for the rest of the season.
Sources told this site last week (7 January) that West Ham are willing to offer the midfield star a route out of Man City if a ‘sensational’ swap deal involving Declan Rice can be agreed.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “Pep doesn’t realise that Kalvin is going to get these chants from fans, even five years down the line.
“He might think it will motivate him, but now the fans have got something on him. You don’t know how it’s going to affect him.
“It’s very strange for Pep to keep going and keep throwing him under the bus.
“He’s been injured. Pep should’ve pulled him in private, it doesn’t make sense to give the fans ammunition when social media is as big as it is.
“I think, deep down, Kalvin Phillips won’t forgive Guardiola for that.”
In other news, pundit issues “unbelievable” Phil Foden claim after £177million Man City reveal.