'I started crying' - Phillips opens up on difficult first season at Man City

Kalvin Phillips has opened up on his struggles with mental health following his difficult first season at Manchester City.

The midfielder moved across the Pennines from Leeds last summer but saw his game time restricted by a combination of injury and selection decisions.

Phillips, 27, made just 21 appearances for City last term, starting just two Premier League games as the club swept aside all opposition to win a historic treble.

Speaking to Sky Sports News he has admitted his difficult start to life with Pep Guardiola's side left him in tears after his performance from the substitutes' bench in City's 3-1 win over Leicester at the Etihad Stadium in April.

"The only time that I've felt down about the situation was when Man City played Leicester and I came on for about half an hour, but I was rubbish," Phillips told Sky Sports News.

"I can remember going home and I was so upset with myself that I started crying."

It was then he sought the advice of his former manager Marcelo Bielsa, who Phillips had played under at Leeds, and the Argentine manager gave him just the boost he needed.

"I got on the phone and messaged Marcelo Bielsa and asked if I could speak to him," Phillips added.

"He replied to me within about five hours. I think it was his translator who sent the message, but he said: 'Yes, I'd love to speak to you'. So the translator called me and we had the phone call.

"It was just good to have a chat and he basically told me that I have the ability, it's just down to confidence and being positive. And since that conversation I've been as positive as I can.

"Getting through that and seeing the rewards coming at the end the season with the treble, it was a nice thing."