Sunday would prove to be a bittersweet day for Kalvin Phillips, as he lifted up the Premier League trophy with Manchester City, but saw his beloved Leeds United edge closer to relegation.
After City were confirmed as Premier League champions when Arsenal lost at Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening, Phillips was handed his first start in the competition on Sunday afternoon, in what was largely a procession against Chelsea.
The Thorp Arch graduate hit the woodwork in a 1-0 win, with Pep Guardiola's side being presented with the Premier League trophy following the game, but Leeds, who had lost 3-1 at West Ham shortly before kick-off at the Etihad Stadium, were not far from Phillips' thoughts.
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With his former side now needing something of a final-day miracle to ensure they stay in the top flight, Phillips was asked about ther plight.
"I have been keeping an eye on Leeds all season, to be honest," he told Sky Sports. "Obviously not a great result today but just pray to God they get a good result in the last game and hopefully keep that great club in the Premier League."
Phillips also reflected on his struggles this season, as the England midfielder has struggled to break into Guardiola's side as they chase a treble.
"It’s been unbelievably tough," he admitted. "It’s probably been one of the lowest moments in myself confidence-wise in my career, but with the guys around me like Kyle [Walker], they’ve kept me going, told me I’ll get my chance and it’ll come. Luckily today it did and I’ve got the guys around me to keep pushing me and working me as hard as possible.
"It was a great feeling when I came in this morning and the manager told me I was playing, I was just happy to be honest. I was happy because we won the league the night before and I knew that there might be a chance I could play, so I just went on relaxed and enjoyed every moment."
Phillips will now hope to feature in City's final two matches of the Premier League season, plus their FA Cup and Champions League finals.
