The midfielder has had to be patient for opportunities at Club level so far this term but started for England in their midweek EURO 2024 qualifying win over Italy.
Phillips’ comparative limited game time has led to speculation about the midfielder’s long-term future.
But addressing the media at his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of the Seagulls, Guardiola insisted the 27-year-old was an important part of the City squad and praised his attitude and commitment.
“He’s behaving incredibly, he’s one of the most generous players I’ve seen,” Guardiola asserted.
“Maybe he could’ve been a problem in other locker room but it’s the opposite. Whenever he goes and plays with the international team with Gareth (Southgate) I’m the happiest man in the world.
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“If he plays, it’s a benefit for me. I want to be honest with my feelings, of course he’s here, he’ll be ready tomorrow if we need him.
“Yeah (there is a role for him). Every player here has a role, some more than others but the last month or years he knows the players I rely on perhaps more than other ones… it’s how we treat them, I treat them the same.”
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