Pep Guardiola has apologised to Kalvin Phillips for suggesting he returned to Manchester City from the 2022 World Cup overweight.
Midfielder Phillips was a bit-part player for England in Qatar, appearing for just 40 minutes across two substitute appearances.
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He didn’t feature when he got back to City and Guardiola explained at the time he was carrying weight and was not fit enough.
Phillips, who is on loan at West Ham until the end of the season, admitted earlier this month the remarks had knocked his confidence and Guardiola accepts he made a mistake in going public with his thoughts.
Speaking before tonight’s home game with Brentford, he said: “I’m sorry. I do apologise to him. I’m so sorry.
“I never before said something here [to the media] without speaking to the player.”
Phillips has struggled since leaving Leeds in 2022. He made just six starts in 18 months at the Etihad and has also found it difficult at West Ham.
He made an error that led to a Bournemouth goal on his debut and was sent off in the 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
