'Frustrated and gutted' - West Ham star bemoans 'bad luck' in interview

Suffice to say, since he joined Manchester City in summer of 2022, the footballing world has not been kind to West Ham United's Kalvin Phillips. When he joined the Hammers in January, it appeared that his career had been given a much-needed shot in the arm - but a red card in a 2-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest at the weekend put the breaks on his progress once again.

It was a disappointing defeat for the Irons, as they were felled by goals from Taiwo Awoniyi and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Nevertheless, Phillips is hopeful for the future - he says that 'bad luck comes in threes' and believes that he can 'kick on now'. Despite this, he also noted that his West Ham run has not gone according to plan - and that 'everyone can see that'.

In total, between West Ham and Manchester City, Phillips has made eight Premier League appearances this season, failing to score a goal or register an assist. With Euro 2024 on the horizon, he will need to pick up his game if he wants to secure his position in the England squad.

What did West Ham's Kalvin Phillips say in the interview?

Speaking to BBC Sport, Phillips said: "They say bad luck comes in threes, so let's hope I've had my three pieces of it and I can kick on now. I wanted this to be a fresh start, to really get my head down and go for it. It's not gone as I would have hoped. Everyone can see that. But I know football. I'm experienced enough to know that if I get my head down and grit my teeth and do the basics right, that things will turn.

"There are certain things you need to do on a football pitch. OK, I was training with the best team in the world, but games get you sharper. You can train all you like but you are never going to really get match fit and match sharp unless you play games. So, that's the reason I'm frustrated and gutted."