On 26 September, ahead of Man City’s clash with Newcastle, the Spaniard told BBC Sport that Bielsa had given the England midfielder “the best version of himself” and had played “the perfect” football for Leeds.
At Elland Road, Phillips is set to make his fifth start for the club under Bielsa, after departing for Man City for £45million two years ago when Rodri was suspended and he refused to leave this summer.
Guardiola added: “Marcelo has given Kalvin the best chance of his career, and I would like to do the same for him. We have a particular style of play, and [he] has some challenges in certain areas, whereas the previous style of play [at Leeds] was perfect for him. We talked to him because he didn’t have a lot of minutes, and he said ‘no’, he wants to stay.
We brought him in because of his quality. He has an open mind, is always willing to learn, and is always willing to help. That’s what we want to do.
Marriage made in heaven
I can’t blame Phillips for wanting to move to City and play under Guardiola. In terms of winning medals, it’s a no-brainer as he was on hand for the Whites’ treble-winning side last season.
On the other hand, he’s barely featured since, making just 24 appearances and mostly coming on as a substitute late on. Leeds fans will always remember him as the heartbeat of the Bielsa side, but in under two years, the club’s changed so much that it’s almost unrecognisable, and that’s something that will never go away.
Bielsa is no longer at the helm and now manages Uruguay, although he has been linked with a return to England with Everton, Bournemouth and others.
Leeds are on their second set of midfield substitutes for Phillips, and he is back in the top flight.
He had a short-lived replacement in Tyler Adams, who was with the club for a year before joining Bournemouth in the summer of 2021.
All things considered, it is likely that Ampadu is carrying the torch for him now, though in terms of the club’s history, it may be 17 year old Archie Gray who takes on Phillips’ favourite role.