Kalvin Phillips broke down in tears after ‘rubbish’ game for Man City as he reveals he got pep talk from ex-manager
KALVIN PHILLIPS has revealed old boss Marcelo Bielsa saved him when he broke down in tears after a “rubbish” performance for Manchester City.
The midfielder used his Bielsa blub to go from the hell of his bit-part role to the heaven of Treble glory.
Having barely played in his debut season for City, Phillips‘ emotions flooded out when he failed to impress as a sub against Leicester in April.
The England star, 27, “started crying” afterwards and called ex-Leeds chief Bielsa for help.
Phiilips described the conversation that followed as “weird” – because his Argentinian mentor used a translator as he spoke in Spanish.
But Bielsa’s morale-boosting message still got through loud and clear.
Phillips told Sky Sports: “Man City played Leicester and I came on for like half an hour, but I was rubbish. I was rubbish!
“I remember going home and I was just so upset with myself, I started crying.
“I got on the phone and messaged Bielsa and asked if I could speak to him.
“It was just good to see him and good to have a chat, and he basically told me that I’ve got the ability, it’s just down to confidence and being positive.
“Since that conversation I’ve just been as positive as I can.”
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Phillips suggested City’s Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League was a fair “reward” – despite his bit-part role.
And his vociferous celebrations afterwards show he’s looking on the bright side rather than feeling sorry for himself.