Pep Guardiola apologises to Kalvin Phillips & gives transfer latest amid Newcastle interest

Pep Guardiola publicly apologised to Kalvin Phillips on Friday for the midfielder's lack of playing time, but said he is not sure whether if the 28-year-old will leave Manchester City in January.

Phillips has attracted interest from Newcastle United and Juventus and could leave City on loan during the winter window, after just one start so far in 2023/24. Phillips played 90 minutes in the Carabao Cup loss to Newcastle United, but that is his only start of the campaign.

Since arriving from Leeds United, the England international has started just two Premier League games, both of which came last season after City had been crowned champions.

Speaking on Friday, ahead of this weekend's trip to Luton Town, Guardiola was asked whether Phillips could leave in January.

"I don't know what will happen. I feel so sorry for my decisions for him, I said many times. He doesn’t deserve not to give him minutes.

"I'm so sorry. It’s him I am asking for good personality, good character, thinking about the end. This is a perfect example. After that I have to give him something, I didn’t do that. It’s just because I visualise something, I visualise the team and things, I struggle a little bit to see him, that’s all.

It’s not because I am not pleased. I feel so sorry for him. It's a business, in the end I have to act professional. When I act… winning is a good decision and when we don’t win it is a bad decision.

"But when a young guy behaves [badly], I don't care. The way he behaves with his mates, I care. Hopefully, he can turn around and I have said many times, I don’t know what will happen in January. If he stays I am more than pleased because he trains really good and he is a lovely guy.

Meanwhile, Guardiola confirmed Kevin De Bruyne has returned to running on the grass again following his long-term hamstring injury. The Belgian hasn't played since the opening weekend of the Premier League season but was named in the Club World Cup squad for later this month.

De Bruyne isn't expected to play any part on the pitch though. "I think it is a little bit early but I don’t know," said Guardiola.