Since Kalvin Phillips’ move to the Etihad, Pep Guardiola has acknowledged that he has been unable to repeat Marcelo Bielsa’s success with Leeds United, despite how much he would “love” to have done so.
According to BBC Sport, the all-conquering Manchester City manager claimed on September 26 that the former Whites manager offered the England midfielder the “best” version of himself and had developed a “perfect” style of play at Elland Road before his team’s Carabao Cup match with Newcastle.
Following his £45 million departure from his childhood club two summers ago with Rodri suspended and having turned down a transfer away this summer, Phillips is expected to start at St. James’ Park for just the eighth time under the Spaniard.
“Marcelo gave Kalvin the best of Kalvin in his career,” remarked Guardiola. If I could, I would have Kalvin do to him what Marcelo has done to him. We have our own distinctive style of play, and [he] occasionally finds it difficult in a few areas where the [Leeds playing style] was ideal.
“The club spoke to him since he had a limited amount of time. “No, I want to stay,” he replied.
“We chose Kalvin because of his talent. He has an open mind, a thirst for knowledge, and a desire to assist. This is what we intend to attempt.
A union created in paradise
However, the 27-year-old has dropped from being one of the Whites’ first names on the squad sheet to scarcely playing, making only 24 appearances so far and mostly coming on as a late-game sub.
Fans of Leeds United will always remember him as the center of Bielsa’s team at his finest, but in less than two years the team has changed so drastically that it is virtually unrecognizable, which will continue to be a source of pain for many.
Despite attempts from Everton and Bournemouth to get Bielsa back to England, he has long since left and is currently in charge of Uruguay. Meanwhile, Leeds is currently on its second round of midfield replacements for Phillips and has returned to the Championship.
Tyler Adams, who was briefly seen as his successor, only stayed at Elland Road for a year before moving on to the Cherries this summer.
Overall, Ethan Ampadu is likely carrying the torch right now, albeit in terms of his Leeds United roots, Archie Gray, 17, might eventually develop into Phillips’ fan favorite role.
