If Newcastle United sign Kalvin Phillips, he will have to do with Eddie Howe what he has not done with Pep Guardiola.
The 27-year-old is reportedly likely to leave Manchester City when the January transfer window opens, with Guardiola barely using the midfielder during the first couple of months of the season.
Phillips was an unused substitute during Man City’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday, despite the fact that Rodri was suspended.
Guardiola opted to play 18-year-old Rico Lewis instead, who predominantly plays in defence. That was an ‘embarrassing‘ snub for Phillips, who has since been linked with a move to Newcastle.
Eddie Howe was keen on the England international during the summer, and could reignite his interest in January.
Regardless, it is clear that Phillips needs a move away from the Etihad Stadium. As former Manchester United midfielder Roy Keane says, it is obvious that Guardiola simply does not trust him.
Roy Keane justifies Pep Guardiola’s Kalvin Phillips decision
Speaking on the latest episode of the Stick To Football podcast, Keane discussed why Guardiola continues to opt against picking Phillips.
“He doesn’t trust him,” he said.
“He’s had a couple of chances. He played a few weeks ago. But he didn’t play him in the big game with all the injuries.
“He played at Newcastle two or three weeks ago in the cup game, and he didn’t do too much good. He didn’t do enough.
“You’ve got to win the manager’s trust. He [Guardiola] works with him every day in training. There’s a reason why he’s not playing and he doesn’t trust him.
“He watched him against Newcastle two weeks ago in a cup match and obviously went ‘I don’t like what I see’. So when it got to the Arsenal game he said ‘I don’t trust you’. He doesn’t believe he can do a job for him.”
Newcastle boss can be demanding too
Guardiola is on a different level, but Eddie Howe can certainly be demanding as a manager.
He will not give players minutes for the sake of it. Howe has spoke about the likes of Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley earning his trust, which is what Phillips has been unable to do with Guardiola.
If Phillips were to come to St James’ Park, he would not be an automatic starter. He would have to prove he suits Howe’s style, rather than simply walk into the starting XI.
For us, a move for Phillips would be a waste of time. We do not need another midfielder right now, despite Phillips’ obvious talents.
A transfer away from Manchester City is vital, as it is obvious that Guardiola does not want to play him. They had a huge game on Sunday, and he was unwilling to put Phillips in the team.
Working with a manager like Howe would undoubtedly give him a lift, but it perhaps would not be a wise decision by the Newcastle hierarchy.
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