Champions League trophies have thus far evaded Manchester City, but Jesse Marsch’s first text message to Kalvin Phillips prophecised the end of that wait. The Leeds United head coach was so genuinely happy for the midfielder’s move his first thought was for the trophies he will now go on to lift.
The Whites confirmed the England international’s exit on Monday with the champions taking Phillips to Etihad Stadium. It is a move which smarts for many in the United fanbase because of his Leeds roots and importance on the field.
With two years left on his contract, this was the summer Phillips had to either protect his value with a new contract or, as he has done, move on for a sizeable fee. Marsch is not in the business of welcoming the loss of his best players, but his relationship with the 26-year-old meant he could only be happy for his former colleague.
