Manchester City’s Cursed Player: Kalvin Phillips’ Struggles Continue Against Barcelona
Manchester City fans are starting to think that Kalvin Phillips is indeed "cursed" after the midfielder’s latest performance against Barcelona in a pre-season friendly. Phillips deputised as a centre-back, making 112 touches and boasting a 93% pass accuracy, but his luck couldn’t hold out as he saw his penalty saved in the shootout.
The City midfielder has had a tough time of it, and it seems that fans are at a loss as to why he can’t seem to catch a break. "Genuinely feel so sorry for Kalvin, he needs to go and play abroad and start again away from the English media and fans," one fan wrote on social media. Another added, "Has there been a worse stint at a club than poor Kal?" It’s clear that some fans have given up on Phillips.
But despite the criticism, manager Pep Guardiola praised Phillips’ performance, saying, "He was really good for the problems we had. I know Kalvin when he gets the ball and can see all the pitch in front of him he’s a really good player." However, he’s still unsure about the midfielder’s future at the club, stating, "I don’t know what is going to happen with his situation."
The stats don’t lie: Phillips has had a tough time in the English top flight, making errors that have cost City dear. This season, he’s committed three errors leading to shots on target, the highest in the Premier League. He’s also had his penalty saved twice in two matches, including against Barcelona. It’s no wonder that fans are starting to doubt his ability to play at the top level.
But Phillips is not the only one who’s struggled this pre-season. City as a whole have looked shaky at the back, conceding six goals in two games against Spanish opposition. If they’re to challenge for the Premier League title, they need to improve defensively, and that may mean leaving Phillips on the bench.
In the meantime, City fans will continue to scrutinize Phillips’ performances, waiting for the midfielder to turn his fortunes around. But for now, it seems that his cursed spell shows no signs of lifting.
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