Guardiola talked about the reason why Phillips was absent from the game: he has not yet reached the best condition for training and competition.

December 23-Manchester City beat Liverpool 3-2 to advance to the top 8 in the Carling Cup, which ended in the early hours of December 23. Guardiola talked about the physical condition of team midfielder Phillips after the game.
Phillips missed most of Manchester City’s games this season due to injury, but he returned in time for the World Cup after surgery and came off the bench for England against Wales and Senegal.
Today, when asked why Phillips was absent from the game, Guardiola said: “Phillips is not fit to play, he is not at his best to train and play.”
(aliang)