Calvin Phillips hopes Jack Grealish will be the inspiration to turn City's fortunes around
Kalvin Phillips counts Jack Grealish as his inspiration as he looks to continue playing in City's second season.
After joining from Leeds United last summer, the midfielder endured a difficult first season with Pep Guardiola's side.
Although Phillips was part of Manchester City's incredible treble success, he started just four times in all competitions.
A shoulder injury at the start of the season prevented him from getting off to a lightning-fast start at his new club, and he never managed to integrate into the team.
As his second season approaches, the 27-year-old hopes to play more in the team.
Competition for the midfield position is fierce, but he is keen to emulate Manchester City and England team-mate Grealish, who also struggled in his first season at the Etihad Stadium.
In an exclusive interview, he said: "I've known Jack for many years, I've been dealing with him for many years, and he's a very family-oriented man.
"Loving his family and keeping them in a very close relationship, he clearly went through tough times when he was younger.
"Our career paths basically took the same steps, but only a year apart, and I looked at Jack and just thought he was the inspiration for my part.
'He had a tough first year and so did I and the second year he did well, so I'm looking forward to the start of pre-season and hopefully I can turn things around.'