I'd be very, very astonished if Pep has had that conversation with Phillips, or intends to. People have said some very harsh things on here about Phillips. Well, it's a forum so who gives a toss, basically? But all I'm aware of is that Phillips must have been vetted by Pep and Txixi, and they must have seen something. And that for a large part of this season, he was injured.
I'm not defending the guy, especially. But I'm not attacking him either. I'm just saying, it's too soon. It also strikes me as unlikely that Phillips would have gone so public on wanting to stay at City and fight for a place. He would have taken advice on that beforehand.
Be very surprised if Phillips is shipped out in an exchange deal for Rice.