What Pep Guardiola said on Man City transfers Kalvin Phillips & Claudio Echeverri

Pep Guardiola was asked about the transfers of Claudio Echeverri and Kalvin Phillips in Thursday's pre-match press conference.

The later is set to join West Ham United on loan until the end of the season, ending a difficult season and a half at the Etihad. The deal is expected to be confirmed on Thursday, after West Ham held off competition from Newcastle United and Crystal Palace for his signature.

Asked about the move ahead of Manchester City's trip to Tottenham Hotspur on Friday, Guardiola wished the player good luck in east London.

"The club tell me still is not done but he travel yesterday to make a medical test, but it is not completely done. It is going to be a loan for six months and hopefully he can play the minutes he deserve and I couldn’t give to him.

"It is what it is. I wish him [well]. I said many times, an exceptional human being and a football player otherwise he wouldn’t be in the national team. Hopefully he can improve what it is."

Guardiola also seemed to take responsibility for Phillips' issues since joining from Leeds United in 2022, and said he does not plan to replace the midfielder this window.

"Yeah of course, if I give him 10-15 games in a row he would be good but I didn’t. I feel so responsible for that. At the same time, I have the disposal of players and a squad, and decide what we are looking for different things.

"I am so grateful for his behaviour, on and off the pitch, and hopefully he can find minutes and can come back and next season see what happens. Finally, he will go to West Ham. There is not one person who does not wish him the best in his short time, four or five months, in London."

As for Echeverri, his signing from River Plate was confirmed just an hour and a half before Guardiola addressed the media. City have paid £12.5m, plus add-ons, for the teenager, who will spend 2024 in Argentina before joining next January.

"The club inform me a few minutes ago that it is done, so congratulations to be part of our club," Guardiola said when asked about the arrival.