Pep Guardiola hailed Kalvin Phillips' performance in his first 90 minutes for Manchester City, declaring he can now rely on his £45m signing.
Phillips has struggled with fitness and injury since signing from Leeds in the summer, and the FA Cup trip to Bristol City was only his second start for the club, and the first time that he lasted a full game. After some disappointing outings in previous appearances, Phillips was more like the player City signed from Leeds and earned praise from his manager at Ashton Gate.
With Rodri given a deserved rest, Guardiola had challenged Phillips to be himself before the game, but had warned that Phillips still isn't up to speed with City's system. At Bristol City, though, Guardiola was more positive.
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"It's not easy when you don't play much. To play good in these kind of games is not easy but he played more than well," Guardiola said.
"Of course he needs rhythm but it was important to give Rodri time. We need him and we can rely on him and we will need him. That is the most important thing."
Guardiola also gave an update on Aymeric Laporte, who has missed the last two games with illness. The defender is back in training - as is John Stones after his hamstring injury - and could be in contention to face Newcastle at the weekend.
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