Robinson lambasts Man City after Kalvin Phillips update pre-Leeds clash – ‘it just goes to show…’
Paul Robinson has questioned Man City manager Pep Guardiola over his handling of Kalvin Phillips.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Spurs and England number one said “it was really harsh” for Phillips’ weight to be criticised publicly.
As quoted by Sky Sports (25 December), Guardiola claimed Phillips, 27, returned from the World Cup “overweight” and “not in the right condition to train”.
The England international was omitted from Man City’s League Cup squad that beat Liverpool on Thursday (22 December).
Sources told Football Insider on 23 December that the midfielder is unlikely to feature against Leeds United.
Robinson claimed the modern day player is monitored “to an incredible level”.
“I think it was really harsh from Guardiola,” he told Football Insider.
“Players are monitored to an incredible level now. There is so much expected of the modern day player.
“I think Guardiola’s comments gave the media a reason to talk about the situation. If Kalvin Phillips is unfit, what does that make the rest of us! I just think Pep Guardiola’s wording was wrong at the press conference. I don’t think it’s as big of a problem as is being made out.
“It just goes to show you the level of expectation on Premier League footballers now. It is a lifestyle and a 24/7 commitment.
“Every single manager analyses the players to the Nth degree to get that tiny bit of advantage over everyone else. That is why Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world. He monitors everything.
“I don’t think Kalvin will have gone back massively overweight. I suspect it was marginal and he will be back at the desired weight by the end of this week.”
In other news, Erling Haaland expected to stay at Man City for ‘seven years’ as ‘offer’ suggested.