The Catalan tactician's comments have sent ripples through the footballing world, as the reigning Premier League champions look to gain a psychological advantage over their city rivals following the latter's FA Cup triumph. Guardiola's experimentation with different formations during pre-season has intensified speculation about the team's starting lineup for the high-stakes encounter.
Phillips, a combative midfielder known for his energy and tackling, has been a subject of much discussion since his high-profile move from Leeds United. Despite facing challenges in adapting to Guardiola’s intricate system, the England international has shown glimpses of his potential. His recent performances in pre-season have evidently impressed the manager, who believes the midfielder's ability to read the game could be a valuable asset in defense.
When quizzed about the possibility of Phillips lining up at the heart of the defense, Guardiola remarked, "It is possible. He is a central midfielder but he likes to see all the game in front of him. He helped us a lot in the last two games of the pre-season tour. I should have realised before in the first two games that he could play in that position. I think his confidence will get back."
The potential deployment of Phillips as a centre-back is a bold tactical gambit that could disrupt Manchester United's preparations. With Guardiola's penchant for surprise, the Red Devils will need to be prepared for a variety of formations and personnel changes from the Cityzens.
As the Community Shield approaches, the footballing world eagerly awaits to see if Guardiola will indeed unleash this tactical innovation, and if so, how it will impact the outcome of the eagerly anticipated clash.
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