Kalvin Phillips explains decision to join newly-promoted Ipswich on loan from Man City as he addresses swearing at West Ham fans during disastrous Hammers spell

Speaking as a guest on the BBC’s My Mate’s a Footballer podcast with former Leeds team-mate Patrick Bamford and comedian Joe Wilkinson, Phillips admitted not feeling the pressure as much at newly promoted Ipswich after two high-profile moves prior.

• Getty

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Phillips moved from Leeds to Manchester City in 2022, a year after being England Men’s Player of the Year in the wake of Euro 2020. But he struggled to establish himself at the Etihad Stadium, with his fitness also questioned, before a disastrous loan at West Ham last season included showing his middle finger to fans who were berating him after a defeat to Newcastle. The 28-year-old joined Ipswich on loan during the summer and is starting to get his career back on track away from the intense spotlight.

  • WHAT PHILLIPS SAID

    Phillips said: “The main reason I came to Ipswich was to get back playing football. [To] kind of play football, not stress free, but with less stress and less eyes on me, maybe. When I went to West Ham, I felt like there was quite a lot of eyes on me.”

    Referencing the middle finger incident, he laughed: “Sometimes you can go the other way and not handle it so well.”

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT?

    Ipwich face West Ham in the Premier League at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon, which could be Phillips’ fifth start this season. His contract at City runs until 2028, but the next few months could shape his future and lead to a permanent transfer next summer.