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He didn't directly mention Philips, but when you connect the dots, there's only one player who was brought in to challenge & rotate with Rodri.
A week later & having not featured this season so far, rumours circulated in the press that coaching staff aren't impressed with Philips in training, & doubt he has what it takes to succeed here.
At the same time reports circulated that City would be willing to listen to offers, with Liverpool, WHU, Newcastle & Bayern being mentioned as interested parties.
Not long afterwards, Philips restated his determination to remain at City & prove himself, citing Stones, Aké, Bernardo, Grealish, Rodri, Dog etc, who all said it took them a season or two to fully get Pep-Ball.
The only chink in his stance was Kalvin saying he'd only consider leaving if he wasn't playing, but that looks like a January/next summer decision.
Kalvin's retained his England place which seemed to be a major consideration. Waistcoat picking him yesterday put paid to any chance of him leaving this window.
However, with Nunes having signed, where does Philips fit in now?
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/f...olds-talks-club-chiefs-concerns-burn-out.html