Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is happy with the response of Kalvin Phillips after being called out as "overweight".

Phillips came on in the 1-0 win over Chelsea on Thursday and Guardiola says that the midfielder has taken on board the comments about his fitness and is in line to start against Southampton in the Carabao Cup next week.

"He wants to change," said Guardiola. "It will maybe be a good lesson for him for the future. A footballer has to be perfect over 12 months - perfect. Even in holidays, he has to be perfect.

"You can enjoy, you can do whatever you want but you have to be ready, because this level is so demanding. You have to play three games [a week], you have to be fit.

"If you are not fit, then nothing. But, I said the last week, days, he improved his level.

"I don't know [if he starts] but for sure, the Carabao Cup, he is going to play. I had a feeling last week, he is back, you know. I had a good feeling.'

Inevitably Phillips was subjected to chants that was a 'fat b******' by Chelsea fans when he came on but Guardiola dismissed the impact of that.

"He has a sense of humour," said the City manager. "It was funny for the Chelsea fans."