Pep Guardiola has admitted that Kalvin Phillips still ‘struggles’ in Manchester City‘s system but insists the midfielder ‘always wants to learn’.

Phillips, 27, has made just 23 appearances for the Treble winners since completing a £45million move from Leeds United back in 2022. 

Much had been expected of the England international, after strong performances at Leeds, however he has played a bit-part role for Guardiola’s side. 

Phillips, however, may get another chance to prove his worth on Wednesday night when Manchester City travel to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. 

With a number of injuries in the squad, Phillips will likely feature in the match and, ahead of the game, Guardiola opened up on the midfielder’s struggles.

Kalvin Phillips has struggled to live up to expectations since joining Manchester City

Pep Guardiola (R) admitted that the 27-year-old ‘struggles’ to fit into Man City’s tactical system

Reflecting on Phillips’ time with Leeds, Guardiola said: ‘Marcelo [Bielsa] gave Kalvin the best of Kalvin in his career,’ said Guardiola.

‘I’d love to have done with Kalvin what Marcelo has done to him. We have our own specific way to play and [he] sometimes struggles in a few things, while the previous [Leeds playing style] was perfect [for him]’.

During his eight years in the Leeds first-team, Phillips established himself as one of England’s strongest holding midfielders – leading City to launch a lucrative bid for him.

However, after making just 21 appearances in all competitions last season, there were rumours that Phillips could be on his way out during the summer window. 

‘The club spoke with him because he did not have many minutes,’ said Guardiola. ‘He said ‘no, I want to stay’.

‘We brought Kalvin here for his quality. He is open minded, always wants to learn and wants to help. This is what we want to try to do.’

The midfielder has started just two games in the Premier League since joining the club

City have been contending with persistent injury problems at the start of the campaign and are set to rest a number of stars at St James’ Park. 

Kyle Walker and Ruben Dias will not start the third-round game, with Phillips set to be given an opportunity to impress in Rodri’s absence.

‘The problem is the lack of rest – mentally especially,’ Guardiola added. ‘This is the problem. Two or three weeks off between seasons, it’s nothing.

‘The problem is a lack of rest, year on year. The Champions League will be longer in future and it is what it is. I complain a little bit here and then forget it’.

Barcelona are preparing to go over a month without one of their key players and alarming numbers have shown they can ill-afford to go without him. 

Xavi Hernandez’s side have enjoyed a fast start to the season, and the LaLiga titleholders currently sit atop the table after six match days. 

Saturday’s tie against Celta Vigo saw them claw back a win from two goals down, after an efficient brace from Robert Lewandowski sparked a comeback capped by a late winner courtesy of Manchester City outcast Joao Cancelo. 

But an injury to Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong will have cast a pall around the Blaugrana, as will news that the former Ajax player could be out for up to seven weeks. 

De Jong was replaced by wonderkid Gavi during the first half of the home tie, and the club has released a statement confirming an injury to the ‘tibiofibular syndesmosis in his right ankle’. 

Barcelona must go without one of their key players for over a month after he picked up injury

Frenkie de Jong was substituted in the first half against Celta Vigo and has been diagnosed with an ankle injury

The Blaugrana have won just six matches that De Jong has been unavailable for since 2019

Whilst there is no specific timeframe for his recovery, the player’s absence could spark concern for his head coach. 

As per Spanish outlet Sport, Barca have won just six of the matches that De Jong has been unavailable for selection for since his 2019 move to Ajax. 

The Dutchman has only missed 16 matches due to injury in total since his transfer across the four seasons he has spent in Catalonia, and without him, the side has registered seven draws and three defeats. 

Over the ties, Barcelona have also struggled for goals, scoring just 18 over the ties where he has been unavailable for selection, whilst conceding 13. 

The lion’s share of the wins without the 26-year-old came in his first season, when he was struggling to settle into the side, with four wins and three draws coming during his seven absences. 

De Jong was available for the entirety of the 2020/21 season, but in 2021/22, Barca won none of the three games he was unavailble for, drawing two and losing one. 

During the club’s title-winning season last term, he missed seven games in october and April, with the team frustrated during the period to see out two wins, two draws and two defeats. 

The midfielder has started every match during the Blaugrana’s campaign this season, scoring a crucial goal during the team’s 4-3 showdown with Villarreal at the end of August.    

Despite a tumultuous start to his time at the Camp Nou – which saw him frequently linked to a move away from his ‘dream club’ to join Manchester United – De Jong has settled under Xavi and become a stalwart in the club legend’s side. 

Head coach Xavi Hernandez described his midfielder’s injury as a ‘big loss’ to the titleholders

The head coach had an understandably pessimistic response to his injury on Saturday, calling De Jong ‘a key player’. 

‘It’s a big loss,’ he shared after the final whistle. ‘It’s a tough one because of the way we play and the level he has been at. He’s a key player for us, he has been really good since last season.’

But Xavi looked for the silver lining after the incident, adding: ‘We have options to come in for him, so hopefully we won’t suffer too much. 

‘We will see how he is after the (October) international break. That’s all we can say for now.’

Gary Neville has slammed Mikel Arteta for his lack of ‘composure’ during Arsenal’s draw in the north London derby. 

Arteta’s side were held to a 2-2 draw with rivals Tottenham on Sunday afternoon, after Bukayo Saka‘s brace was cancelled out by Son Heung-Min‘s double.

For both goals, Arsenal struck first before Spurs fired back in quick succession – with the Son’s second coming just one minute after Saka’s. 

And, reflecting on the match, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville suggested that Arteta’s antics on the sideline did little to help his team’s chances in the match. 

Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast said: ‘I want to see a composure from this Arsenal team and that’s difficult because the manager’s on the sideline jumping around like you wouldn’t believe. 

Gary Neville (above) dissected Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with rivals Tottenham during his podcast

Neville suggested Mikel Arteta’s touch-line antics did little to help Arsenal hold their lead

Tottenham scored both of their goals just moments after Arsenal had struck in the game 

‘I want to see passion, but I want to see composure and a coldness, and that feels like a contradiction. But I want to see it in the right moments at the right times.

‘When they scored that second goal, Saka’s penalty, which was a beautiful penalty, celebrate it, give your fans something because they want to see it means something.

‘But there should be two or three senior players in that group saying, ‘Right, come on. Switch on now, we’re ready and we’re going to see this through’. Your mentality kicks in of knowing when a game’s in danger’.

After the break, Saka struck from the spot following a Cristian Romero handball before Son levelled one minute later.

The South Korean placed his effort into the Arsenal goal after James Maddison stole the ball off Jorginho deep inside the hosts’ half. 

The celebrations had barely ended before the Spurs captain levelled the scoring, and it lead to Neville questioning Arsenal’s ‘mentality’. 

Neville continued: ‘Rice had gone off at half-time and that presented a danger, so should Jorginho have been left there almost last man on the ball for Son’s second equaliser? Maybe, maybe not.

‘He should have done better himself, of course, but when you concede a goal a minute after one going in, that’s what I’m talking about, that mentality. They didn’t get set again.’

Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsdale’s father has hit back at Jamie Carragher after the Sky Sports pundit claimed he was ‘laughing’ at the Arsenal goalkeeper on Sunday afternoon.

James Maddison (L) stole the ball off Jorginho (R) to help create Tottenham’s second goal

Bukayo Saka scored a brace on the day but was unable to secure his side all three points

Ramsdale was an unused substitute during the Gunners’ 2-2 draw with rivals Tottenham, with summer signing David Raya being preferred to the England international. 

And, despite the fact he may be losing out on his No.1 spot at the Emirates, Ramsdale showed a heap of support for his team-mate during the tense North London Derby.

During post-match analysis, on Sky, Carragher said: ‘I thought it was like the Oscars, you know when someone loses the Oscar and they start clapping and smiling for the other person. I was laughing when I saw that. He’s absolutely devastated with that really.’ 

Later that evening, Nick Ramsdale replied to a Tweet about Carragher’s comments and said: ‘You are a Disgrace!! Show some class!! My lad has’.

Jamie Redknapp has hailed James Maddison‘s performance in the North London Derby, believing that he ‘single-handedly’ changes the way that Tottenham play.

Spurs left Arsenal with a point after a 2-2 draw, with captain Son Heung-min scoring both goals for the visitors. 

Maddison joined Tottenham in the summer from Leicester City, and Sky Sports pundit Redknapp believes that he has been a crucial part in changing up the way Spurs play after a disjointed season last term largely under Antonio Conte.

Redknapp told Sky Sports that he was impressed with ‘how far they’ve come’ despite the changes, and the departure of Harry Kane. Spurs have been revolutionised under new boss Ange Postecoglou, and Kane’s absence has been partially filled by Son. 

Redknapp said: ‘Son has just gone in there seamlessly. You forget how good he is as a striker sometimes. He’s been amazing, five goals in his last two away games. 

James Maddison has ‘single-handedly’ changed the way Tottenham play, according to a pundit

Jamie Redknapp was speaking after Spurs secured a 2-2 draw away to local rivals Arsenal

There was also praise for captain Son Heung-min after his two goals at the Emirates on Sunday

‘James Maddison I think has single handedly changed the way they play. Maddison, receiving the ball on the half-turn. They always had that player who could do something differently, get the ball, play with no fear. 

‘He nearly lost the ball, and cost his team a goal, with the [Gabriel] Jesus moment. You think ‘how’s he going to react after this?’ Then he makes the goal, then he makes another goal. The way he plays gives everyone a calmness and assurance about him.

‘I just feel that he’s made such a difference to that team and the way that they play now.’ 

Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher echoed Maddison’s post-match comments claiming it was a ‘good test’ for Spurs. 

Carragher said: ‘Besides [Manchester] City, [The Emirates is] probably the toughest place to go, along with Anfield as well. But Arsenal are a seriously top side, I feel this season they’d be the biggest challengers to Manchester City. 

‘So to go there in the early stages under a new manager, a completely different style of football. You can’t get a bigger change than what it’s gone from, from Conte, to where we are now and how Tottenham are trying to play. 

Fellow pundit Jamie Carragher said it was a ‘good test’ for Spurs after a period of uncertainty

Carragher said ‘everyone seems to love’ Ange Postecoglou after taking over the Spurs hotseat

‘I think they got a brilliant start, everyone seems to love the manager, not just Spurs fans. He’s been a breath of fresh air. Every time he does an interview, he seems to come across well. 

‘I think the last manager, Conte, was not someone who everybody loved. Tottenham have got that feeling now, you look at their manager, and you hope they do alright, I hope they do well in certain games. 

‘I think that was a big result for them today, to show it’s not just a flash in the pan in these early few weeks.’ 

Following Sunday’s point, Tottenham sit fourth in the Premier League table on 14 points. Next weekend, they host second-placed Liverpool, before a trip to Luton Town seven days later.  

Marcus Rashford was involved in a serious car crash after returning from Manchester United‘s 1-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday evening.

The England international was inside his £700k Rolls Royce and crashed into a traffic island as footage emerged showing the extent of the accident on social media.

Fortunately, Rashford emerged uninjured from the accident that seriously damaged his vehicle but was left shaken by the crash, according to The Sun.

Rashford’s luxury supercar was left in a wrecked state after the incident that appeared to happen near the club’s Carrington training complex not long after he had set off.

United players returned from Burnley via coach before getting in their personal vehicles to head home after the match that brought an end to their recent torrid form.

Marcus Rashford was involved in a serious car crash after returning from Manchester United ‘s 1-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday evening

Rashford (left) previously seen getting into his luxury Rolls Royce outside a Cheshire jewellers

His white and black Rolls Royce was left strewn sideways across the road as traffic appeared to be halted while the scene was attended to by police.

The Black Badge model is described as the most capable version ever as it combines force and finesse. It is designed with enhanced torque, power and control. 

Footage posted on social media shows the rear left-hand side of the vehicle was torn away from the main body as debris cascaded across the tarmac and a traffic bollard and lamppost were shown to have been knocked down.

The rear bumper appears to have suffered the majority of the impact with pieces shown to be missing and hanging off the stationary vehicle that is left with it’s hazard lights flashing.

Police officers arrived on the scene and closed off part of the road as other drivers were diverted around the incident. 

Manchester United captain and team-mate Bruno Fernandes was reportedly one of the first people on the scene after he left Carrington not long after Rashford.

The Portugal international stopped to check on his team-mate and offered assistance. Fernandes had previously scored the only goal in United’s win that evening.

Attending emergency services managed the situation with police present, although it is believed no arrests were made and Rashford didn’t require medical attention.

Rashford (right) was reportedly uninjured but left shaken after the serious crash

The white Rolls Royce was left strewn sideways across the road as traffic appeared to be halted while the scene was attended to by police

United captain Bruno Fernandes (right) was reportedly on the scene of the accident and offered his assistance

As well as his other cars, Rashford also owns a McLaren 765 Long Tail, which costs £280,000

Also in Rashford’s collection is a Lamborghini Urus Performante, which costs £350,000

The 25-year-old is a keen acquirer of luxury vehicles and recently added a third Rolls Royce – a £560,000 Cullinan Blue Shadow – to his growing collection of six-figure supercars.

Other cars in his collection include a £280,000 McLaren 765 Long Tail and a £350,000 Lamborghini Urus Performante.

The McLaren 765 Long Tail is based on the 720S and uses innovative aerodynamics to create 25 per cent more downforce. Only 765 were produced, with the car the most powerful LT yet with 765PS.

Meanwhile, the Lamborghini uses lightweight carbon-fibre components, which allows for a significant weight reduction.

Erik ten Hag has urged Manchester United to stick together as they try to weather a storm following four defeats in five games.

United have lost three in a row and go to Burnley on Saturday night in danger of suffering four straight defeats for the first time since Louis van Gaal‘s second season in 2015.

Ten Hag insists that the key to turning the corner after such a poor start to the season is maintaining unity.

Asked if he is surprised by the scale of the challenge, he replied: ‘No. It’s my second year. I know it’s not always going up, you will have your gaps and you get stronger from it as long as you stay together.

‘That’s what we’re doing. The dressing-room, all the staff, coaches, medical, everyone is united and at United you fight.’

Erik ten Hag has urged his players to maintain unity as they ride out difficult start to the season

The side’s Champions League performance was unable to provide a tonic to poor league form

There have been concerns over dressing-room leaks about squad unrest at Old Trafford, but Ten Hag added: ‘I don’t know if it’s a leak but I know opinion, I know my players. Everyone can make suggestions, we are okay with it.’

United go to Turf Moor desperately in need of a win to lift morale. ‘At United, you have to win every game so it doesn’t change anything,’ said Ten Hag.

‘As always, it’s about how we play against Burnley. There’s no easy games, definitely not against Burnley. We know how intense they play football, we know their approach. I like the approach from them, the adventure, high intensity and dynamic in their game, so we have to play our best.’

Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has brushed off accusations of the Kingdom’s ‘sportswashing’ claiming that he ‘doesn’t care’ about the term. 

The nation has pursued a sports-centric growth agenda over the past five years as Saudi Arabia itself has played host to a wealth of events from boxing matches to football tournaments. 

The Kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund Public Investment Fund (PIF) has been at the centre of a number of high-profile sporting acquistions, taking over Newcastle in November 2021, and launching the lucrative and controversial LIV Golf series the following year – which later merged with PGA Tour and DP World Tour this June. 

Saudi Arabia’s movements in the industry have been seen by some as an attempt to burnish the country’s reputation and shift focus away from its human rights violations. 

But the crown prince – who also serves as his nation’s prime minister – was adamant that the term had little meaning to him in pursuit of financial growth. 

Crown prince Mohammed bin Salman has said that he ‘doesn’t care’ about sportswashing accusations

Saudi Arabia has been accused of using heavy investment in myriad different sports to burnish its reputation and draw attention from allegations of human rights violations

Investment in the rebel LIV Golf series later saw the PIF pull off a shocking merger with the PGA and DP World Tours

‘If sportswashing is going to increase my GDP by one per cent, then we’ll continue doing sportswashing,’ Bin Salman told Fox News. ‘I don’t care about that (term). 

‘I have 1 percent growth in GDP from sport and I am aiming for another 1.5 per cent. Call it what you want – we are going to get that 1.5 per cent.’

Criticism of Saudi’s human rights record has come from myriad groups and charities and includes allegations of exploitation of migrant workers, criminalisation of the LGBTQ+ community, the imprisonment and torture of anti-Saudi dissidents, restrictions on freedom of speech, and opposition to the ongoing war in Yemen. 

In May, the SANAD Organisation flew a banner calling for all Saudi prisoners to be freed over St James’s Park during a clash between Newcastle and Arsenal. 

The ‘NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing’ group protested the international fixture last week between Saudi Arabia and Costa Rica at the Tyneside ground, holding aloft posters of several young men they said were on death row in the kingdom ‘for demonstrating’. 

Newcastle has been dogged with accusations of Saudi involvement in the club despite writing assurances during the takeover that the Saudi government would have no control in the running of the club, but this has since been questioned. 

The Magies chairman and PIF governor Yasir Al-Rumayyan was described as a ‘sitting minister of the government’ in a US court case involving LIV Golf earlier this year. 

The club was also accused of styling last season’s third kit after the home jersey of the Saudi Arabian national team, in what Amnesty International called ‘clear evidence of the regime using Newcastle to portray a positive image’. 

Al-Rumayyan is now the chair of the newly merged LIV-DP-PGA golf game, as well as overseeing the top four clubs in the Saudi Pro League – Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Ahli – as they are also owned by the PIF. 

Agressive investment in Saudi’s domestic football league took the lion’s share of the headlines during the summer’s transfer window, with a number of global sporting icons including Karim Benzema and Neymar Jnr signing big-money moves to play in the burgeoning league. 

International interest in the Saudi Pro League has blossomed as a result of the high-profile recruits – and the eye-catching price tags to match – and the country are thought to be keen to capitalise on the interest with a bid for either the World Cup in 2030 or 2034. 

Newcastle were criticised for last season’s third kit, which mimics the Saudi Arabia national team jerseys

Magpies chairman Yassir Al-Rumayyan was described as a ‘sitting member of government’

Saudi Arabia are believed to be setting their sights on building up their influence in tennis as the next area of investment, and will play host to the Next Gen ATP finals in November. 

The nation has opened discussions with the WTA to host this year’s finals and have pledged to treble the prize money as they work to win their bid. 

Saudi officials have long denied motives beyond financial ones behind their active movements in the world of sport, instead stating that sport is a cornerstone of the ‘Vision 2030’ strategy. 

The program was launched in 2016 in an attempt to diversify the Saudi economy from dependency on oil exports.