Kalvin Phillips admits it's been 'very difficult' adapting new squad role at Manchester City but insists joining the Blues is one of the 'best decisions' he's ever made.
Phillips joined City last summer in a deal worth £42million, the combative midfielder leaving boyhood club Leeds United where he had spent 14 years. A first-ever move away from the West Yorkshire club was compounded by a change in stature, the 27-year-old going from an ever-present talisman to a squad player at the Etihad.
A full 90 minutes for England on Thursday evening was more than he has managed in the Premier League all season for City, his five substitute appearances totalling 65 minutes - a consequence of several minor injuries and the issue of having to displace the outstandingly consistent Rodri.
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But despite a difficult period, Phillips insists joining Pep Guardiola's side was one of the best decisions he has made.
"It’s been very difficult to be honest," the City midfielder told the Premier League's YouTube channel. "I knew as soon as I came into the team that I wasn’t going to be playing week-in week-out.
"I was going to have to build my way in and even now I’m still at that stage of building myself into the team. I’ve enjoyed it a lot and I’ve learnt a lot as well from the players and the manager, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made."
A run without injury has allowed Phillips to begin working. his way into Guardiola's plans since the turn of the year, his nine appearances in all competitions racking up 296 minutes including the full 90 in a 3-0 FA Cup win over Bristol City.
The midfielder's performance in that 2-1 win over Italy on Thursday was proof for Guardiola that he can call upon the former Leeds man when needed, relinquishing concerns over the midfielder's fitness after a season of restricted minutes.
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