Erling Haaland makes encouraging Kalvin Phillips admission after Man City return
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
(Credit: Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Thu 25 September 2025 14:00, UK
Erling Haaland was absent from the action as Pep Guardiola rotated his Manchester City squad for their Carabao Cup clash with League One outfit Huddersfield Town.
On Wednesday, 24 September, Man City defeated Huddersfield 2-0, thanks to goals from Phil Foden and Tottenham’s summer transfer target Savinho.
Guardiola’s men are set to face Championship side Swansea City in the next round of the Carabao Cup, after the Swans knocked out Premier League opponents Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Man City could agree a new sponsorship deal worth £60million per season, amid their bid to rival defending champions Liverpool in the top-flight title race.
Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Kalvin Phillips made his first appearance of the campaign in the cup victory over Huddersfield.
Erling Haaland’s Snapchat story
After watching his teammate return to action, Haaland took to his Snapchat story and wrote: “Yorkshire Pirlo is back.”
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Despite seldom featuring for the Etihad Stadium outfit since joining from Leeds United back in 2022, Phillips was included in Guardiola’s Premier League squad for the current campaign.
Kalvin Phillips statsAll competitions 2025/26Appearances1Goals0Assists0Phillips featured against Huddersfield
However, following unsuccessful loan spells with Ipswich Town and West Ham United, the 29-year-old seemingly faces an uphill battle to earn regular game time in the North West.
Therefore, if Phillips fails to earn regular opportunities before the January transfer window, Man City may consider cashing in on his services.
Rodri, Nico Gonazalez, and Kovacic will likely remain above the England international in Guardiola’s pecking order despite his recent appearance against Huddersfield.
Meanwhile, Guardiola’s men must continue their positive run of form when they face Burnley in their next Premier League game on Saturday, 27 September, as they already sit eight points behind leaders Liverpool following their 1-1 draw with Arsenal.
The Etihad Stadium club are also vying to beat Monaco in the first away fixture of their Champions League campaign at the start of next month.