🎤 Shaun Wright-Phillips Interview with OLBG

Speaking exclusively to OLBG.com, former Man City midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips believes that Achraf Hakimi would be a perfect signing for Manchester City, especially if Kyle Walker moves on. 

“He defends well, doesn't stop running and gives you winger mentality, either in the box or putting those crosses in,” he said, adding, “It would be more natural for a right back (especially if they're going to sell Kyle Walker) to swing those crosses in.”

Wright-Philips implies an exit from Man City would be good for Jack Grealish, saying, “even if it’s just a loan for a season, just to bring the love back to his game”.

He says he’d love to see Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott join Pep Guardiola’s coaching staff and discusses potential Man City signings Ryan Cherki, Morgan Gibbs White and Diogo Costa.

In regards to the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, Wright-Philips says, “I feel sorry for the players,” and goes on to say there needs to be better scheduling so they can rest and recharge ahead of the season.

The former Chelsea player believes the club should sign Jadon Sancho, and while he admits he loves Kobbie Mainoo, he says he doesn’t “understand why Chelsea would buy him…unless Enzo Fernandez is going.”

Speaking exclusively to OLBG.com, former Manchester City and Chelsea midfielder Shaun Wright-Phillips discussed a range of topics including potential City signings, coaching staff changes, and his take on the FA Cup and football calendar. He believes Achraf Hakimi would be a smart addition to City’s squad, Jack Grealish could benefit from a move, and Jadon Sancho is worth a chance at Chelsea. He also shares his admiration for Kobbie Mainoo but questions Chelsea’s interest in him.

Q: What was the highlight of your two spells at Manchester City?

One of my highlights was my goal against Millwall at the Den. I think that would be my biggest one in the first spell because that got the ball rolling for me in terms of putting my name on the score sheet. I remember the first season I broke through, I was just getting closer and closer to scoring, but it just wouldn't go in, and that was the game after a full season of not scoring that broke that duck for me. So I'd say that was a big part of my football career back taking off then.

The second time, when I came back, you're always told in many ways the second time's never as good, so to get off the mark against Sunderland and score two goals, that eased that pressure. So I'd say that that was another important step in my second time back at City.

Q: What’s the best story about your time at Manchester City that you have?

There are a lot of them. Some of them are not to be shared because that's something that you keep in the dressing room between old teammates. There's always been fun stories in terms of the nicknames that Joe Royle used to give me and my old teammate, Chris Shuker, who came through the academy at the same time. He used to call us his two little pocket rockets, but I can’t tell you the other ones as they are PG rated!

Q: How would you assess Manchester City’s season out of 10?

I would still give them an eight or a seven out of ten. I think their biggest issue this year was, in many ways, pressing self-destruct. As soon as they got rid of those little mistakes that were costing them goals, their performances and a lot of things changed, and that’s why they finished third.

A lot of people are saying it’s been a really bad season for Man City, but they finished three points behind Arsenal and reached the FA Cup final – they were unlucky not to win that. So it was a bad season in terms of the standards they set for themselves, but those standards are extremely high. Not winning anything is seen as terrible, which I understand because they all want to be winners.

From a fan point of view, I saw a lot of the games and City were in control for the best part of 40 to 60 minutes, but the opposition would get one chance and it would fly in. Sometimes football is cruel. They also had injuries like many other clubs, but they didn’t suffer as badly as, say, Spurs or Man Utd.

Q: What do you think was the biggest difference between the club last season and this season?

There’s been a lot of people saying ‘without Rodri they can't do this or that,’ but I’ve never thought it was that black and white. They’ve created a lot of chances but haven’t scored as many. Kevin De Bruyne’s had a hit and miss season with injuries, the same with Phil Foden and Jack Grealish. Their attacking line has had too many injuries.

Those guys haven’t quite hit top speed. It’s pretty much been Erling Haaland and Josko Gvardiol dragging them through, and they’ve done their best. Mateo Kovacic has been fantastic too. A few more players needed to step up with goals and taking control of games, but that’s football. You can’t expect a team to dominate forever. I expected a dip last season, but it came this year, when they didn’t buy anyone in the summer and had loads of injuries with a small squad.

Q: Do you think Manchester City can win the FIFA Club World Cup?

Yeah, I think so based on the performances I've seen throughout the season, but more so the back end of the season. Knowing how to win games, seeing games through, and not really getting caught that much in transition. If they have been caught, the players are getting back a lot quicker to smother the space and to make it very, very difficult for them. So in terms of that, yeah, I think they can win it. It’s not going to be easy, but it’s doable.

Q: Do you think they need to win that competition in order to class their season as successful?

Knowing the people I know at the club, I think even if they win the Club World Cup, they won’t see their season as successful. I think they will still see it for them as a bad season because they always want to do better and be perfect in as many ways as possible. Nevertheless, winning a trophy is always special.

Q: What are your thoughts on the FIFA Club World Cup?

It's a hard one. In many ways, I feel sorry for the players. I think since COVID, none of the players have had a full summer to recharge and prepare for the new season. As soon as one tournament finishes, it’s straight into pre-season. It’s going to be another one of those this year for clubs like Man City and Chelsea and the others involved.

Players could end up playing 75 games by the end of it, which is not good. They need to find a way to adjust the calendar to help players rest and recover. We want to see them play football at their best, and that only comes with rest and proper care for their health and welfare.

Q: How about Pep? Do you think he's still the man for Manchester City?

Pep will always be the man. I've been lucky enough to meet him away from the game on a pre-season tour. He has time for everybody. He’s a lovely human being and cares about everyone. Who doesn't want a manager that has so much passion and desire to win and to make players better and achieve outstanding goals? I wouldn't want anybody else at the helm right now.

Q: Longer term - who could you see taking over from Pep at Manchester City?

In terms of the longer term, I don’t think that far ahead. That’s a bridge you cross when you need to. We could name loads of people, but you never know what’s around the corner. If I had to pick, it would be someone who plays similar to Pep, so the framework stays intact — kind of like what Arne Slot has done at Liverpool. I think City will do something similar when that time comes.

Q: Three of his assistant coaches have recently left the club - are there any coaches you’d love to see join Pep’s staff?

That’s a hard one. I’d just name all my friends, wouldn’t I? I’d love to see Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott there with him. I think they just need a freshen-up in many ways. It’s been a long time together and sometimes you need new ideas. I’d love to have Ashley Cole as part of the Blue family, the Sky Blues, if he’s up for it.

Joleon Lescott

Q: How about Kevin De Bruyne? Do you think he sits amongst the all-time greats at City?

I think, especially in this generation where he's played, I don't think there's been a better midfielder that I’ve seen at City. The closest person to him is Yaya Toure, and he probably would’ve rivalled Kevin if he had stayed longer. But Kevin De Bruyne has done it for nearly 10 years now, so I’d put him right at the very top.

Q: He’s been strongly linked with Napoli - how good would a De Bruyne and Scott McTominay midfield be?

I think it would be awesome. Kevin De Bruyne has worked hard for the last 10 years and while he’s a luxury player, he’s also one of the hardest runners. You don’t often get that in luxury players. Nowadays, you do — like Bruno Fernandes or Kevin — but it’s still rare. In a team like Napoli, with runners around him, he could focus all his energy on doing damage at the top end of the pitch. I think it would prolong his career by a couple more years.

Q: What advice would you give Phil Foden to get back to his best next season?

He's in such a strange position after what he achieved last year. He hasn't hit the ground running this season due to injuries and other things disrupting his form. But I think Phil Foden will be fine. He loves the game, and my advice to him would be to just enjoy the game more — though that’s how he naturally is anyway. Honestly, I think it's just a matter of getting a run of games and staying injury-free, and we’ll all see the Phil we're used to.

Q: Where do you think Kyle Walker will be playing his football next season?

I'm not sure. I know he mentioned, was it last year or the year before, that he would like to retire at Sheffield United. I don't know if that's still the play for him, but I can see it happening at some point. I still think Kyle has a lot to give at the top level. I just don’t know where at the minute, because especially in England, everyone is looking to sign younger players, as opposed to older and mature players. He’s going to have to make a decision this summer, unfortunately, I think.

Kyle Walker

Q: Would a move away for Jack Grealish suit all parties?

I think he's at an age now where he needs to enjoy football. I don’t know whether that’s at Man City or not, but if it isn’t, he just needs to go and play football. Even if it’s just a loan for a season, just to bring the love back to his game. People want to see him being the Jack we know him as — the one who helped City win trophies and the one from Villa. I’m wishing him the best because I believe in him and I just want to see him enjoying football again.

Q: Rayan Cherki has been linked with joining the club from Lyon for just £20 million - do you rate him?

Yeah, I think he's a fantastic player. He’s both-footed, takes corners and free kicks with both feet. If you want someone to give Erling Haaland those passes through or over the top, he can do that as well. He seems to work hard and I think he can fit the mould quite well at Man City because he's comfortable in those pockets.

Q: Morgan Gibbs-White has also been strongly linked with a move to Man City - is he value for money at around £70 million?

It's interesting because between the both of them — Rayan Cherki and Morgan Gibbs-White — I like both of them. The difference is Morgan has already proven himself in the Premier League, and we’ve seen what he’s done. However, at the price they’re getting Cherki for, it feels like a bargain. His price should be closer to what Gibbs-White's is, in my opinion.

If I could have both of them, I’d take both — but nobody wants to join a club just to sit on the bench. I don’t think Man City will sign both. They’ll pick whichever fits the team best. Personally, I’d take Gibbs-White at the drop of a hat. I’m a massive fan of his.

Q: Diogo Costa has also been heavily linked with Man City - could you see him replacing Ederson?

He's a good goalkeeper, but Ederson is a hard one to replace — especially the way he passes the ball. Not many goalkeepers get six or seven assists in their career. So that’s a tough one to replace. I don’t know whether Ederson is going out or if Stefan Ortega is leaving. So I don’t know who Diogo Costa would be replacing. I haven’t been privy to that information, unfortunately.

Q: Manchester City have opted to not activate Liam Delap’s buyback clause - do you think that is the correct decision?

Yeah, I do. I think Man City have always been a club that doesn’t want to stifle their young players’ progress. That’s why people like Cole Palmer can leave and why players like James McAtee are linked with moves. They appreciate how their young players have grown and want them to thrive elsewhere. Liam Delap thrived at Ipswich, and he deserves whatever comes next for him.

Q: Outside of the players that have been linked to Manchester City so far this summer, is there anyone else they should be looking to sign?

I would love for Man City to sign Achraf Hakimi. Even though I’ve watched him for years, I just think he’s a fantastic player. He defends well, he doesn't stop running, but he also gives you winger mentality — either in the box or whipping in crosses.

Over the years, although City have been very successful, the way they’ve played with centre-backs as full-backs hasn’t always helped their attacking rhythm. It would be more natural to have a true right-back, especially if they’re going to sell Kyle Walker, swinging in crosses. Sometimes City get stuck in the final third, particularly on the left, and that kills players like Haaland who’ve already made their run. By the time they reset, the low block’s back in place and it’s harder to break through.

Achraf Hakimi

Q: How would you describe playing under José Mourinho in one sentence?

I can do it in one word. Amazing! Honestly, it was a very special time in my career. I learned so much about the game and so many different ways of playing football compared to my first spell at Man City. Back then, they just gave me the ball and I tried to make things happen.

But when Eyal Berkovic and Ali Benarbia came in, they changed my role and set me up for how Mourinho wanted to play. I realised I didn’t need to dribble every time I got the ball. The ball moves faster than a man — and Mourinho taught me how to run off the ball, not always on it. It was an amazing time in my career. I made lifelong friends, achieved a lot, and had a great appreciation for the fans.

Q: How would you assess Chelsea’s season out of 10?

Good. They had a blip over the Christmas period, but that happens in football. What I noticed by the end of the season was that the boys became men. Whether they were playing well or not, or scraping through, they figured out how to win games.

Moises Caicedo has been a revelation. Alongside Ryan Gravenberch, Caicedo has been the best holding midfielder in the Premier League this season. All the players chipped in. They had to — with Nicolas Jackson injured and Cole Palmer dipping a little in form. Other players stepped up, especially Marc Cucurella, and that got them to where they are now. Them being in the Champions League next season is something they deserve.

Q: Should Chelsea buy Jadon Sancho for £25 million or pay £5 million NOT to sign him?

I'm a bit biased. I know he gets a lot of stick, but I’m a fan of Jadon Sancho and his qualities. Some players just need an arm around them. That’s tough at the highest level because managers have their own pressures, but he showed his quality in the Conference League Final. He came on and made a difference. He’s got something to give and I really hope they do sign him.

Jadon Sancho

Q: Chelsea have been linked with signing Kobbie Mainoo from Manchester United - would that be a good signing for them?

I love Kobbie Mainoo as a footballer. But I don’t understand why Chelsea would buy him — unless Enzo Fernandez is going. They’ve got Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo there already, and they rarely even play together. So I’m not quite sure, because it seems like they already have enough in that position.

I’d be more curious to know if they’re keeping Kepa Arrizabalaga, because the goalkeeper position is what really needs addressing. I think they’ve got Liam Delap lined up as a striker, so that’s taken care of for now. But getting another centre-back and sorting out the goalkeeping situation should be higher on the list than signing another midfielder right now.

Q: They’ve also been linked with Alejandro Garnacho - do you rate him?

Yeah, I do. I love his directness. He’s a winger and I like that he just wants to cause problems for defenders. He wants to be a pain — make them run, work hard, track back, and just make life difficult. He tries to get shots off and score goals, and I respect that a lot.

I think he’d be handy, but is he too similar to someone like Pedro Neto? You rarely see the top teams playing with two wingers who both operate that way. Normally you get one dribbler and one more possession-based wide player. So it’d be interesting — but I do like Garnacho a lot.

Q: Where should Raheem Sterling go to reignite his career?

He's another one with so many qualities. Like Jack Grealish, I think he just needs to go and enjoy football again. He’s had a rough couple of years — first with Chelsea, and then his time at Arsenal. He just needs to find somewhere where he can play without pressure and enjoy the game for what it is again.

Q: Jobe Bellingham is another young player who has been linked with Chelsea - could he become as good as his brother Jude if he moved to Chelsea?

I don't know! Jude Bellingham is special in so many ways. It almost looks like he’s just chilling when he’s on the pitch. Since leaving Borussia Dortmund, he’s played in a different position too, so his game has changed.

Jobe is currently playing that box-to-box number 8 role. He’s up and down, making tackles and blocks — like we saw in the playoff final. I think Jobe will be a good player, but I don’t think they’re going to be similar types. It’s hard to say who will be better, but they both have their own special attributes.

Q: Real Madrid want Enzo Fernandez - at what price would you let him go if you were in charge of Chelsea?

Real Madrid don’t even buy people — they wait until they’re available on a free transfer at the end of their contract. They’re the best at that. You very rarely see them splash the cash.

So even if Chelsea said, ‘Yeah, you can have him for £100 million,’ I don’t think they’d buy him. I think they’ll sit and wait.

Q: Outside of the players that have been linked to Chelsea so far this summer, is there anyone else they should be looking to sign?

No, I think Chelsea have got a fresh, energised, and in many ways quite aggressive and talented squad. When you have that many players, you don’t need to tinker too much. They’ve got something like 47 players once the loans run out.

Adding more is only going to cause problems unless they start shifting some. It’s like having a walk-in wardrobe full of talent — they’ve got options. Right now, they just need to focus on building a strong spine. I think they’re halfway there already. Moises Caicedo is key to that spine, just like Michael Essien, Claude Makelele, and John Obi Mikel were in my era. Then you had your John Terry, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and Petr Cech. They’re nearly there — they just need to finish building that structure.

Q: QPR are currently without a manager - who would you like to see take charge there?

I think the Championship and League One clubs need to start taking chances on English managers who are waiting for an opportunity. Honestly, if I were QPR, I’d approach Ashley Cole or Lee Carsley. I’d love to see Ash get it — I think it would be unbelievable.

Lee Carsley

Q: How important is it to keep Jimmy Dunne at the club?

It’s very important — but it’s never easy. A lot of things are sometimes out of the club’s control. So I don’t think it will be easy to keep him, but yeah, it would be an important part of the puzzle for them to hold on to him.

Q: What about Jack Colback? Should they keep or release him?

I never like to see players get released. If you’re doing well and doing a job for the club — even for just a year — I’d say keep him. Especially since they didn’t have a great season last year, you don’t want to change too many players or you end up rebuilding the entire team. The Championship is hard, fast, physical, and demanding. You need players who’ve been through that before — not just a fresh batch every time.

Q: How much would a prime Shaun Wright-Phillips cost in today’s game?

If you're saying I went for £21 million to £24 million back in the day, I’d say close to £100 million now.

Q: Was there ever a club you regretted not joining?

No, not one club to be fair. I never regret anything — I think the path I took made me the person I am today.

Q: What’s the best piece of football advice your dad Ian Wright ever gave you?

Same thing I tell my son and daughter who play — enjoy the game. Always enjoy it. Enjoy the hard work and enjoy winning. Obviously, you’re not meant to enjoy losing, but you learn more from losing than you do from winning.

Q: Who’s the most competitive in the family — you, Bradley, or Ian?

Dad — Ian Wright — by a long way. Brad second, and me last!

Q: Which rivalry did you feel most personally — Manchester derby, Chelsea vs Arsenal, or Chelsea vs Spurs?

The Manchester Derby and then Chelsea vs Spurs were, I think for me, bigger than Chelsea vs Arsenal.

Q: Who in today’s game reminds you of your own playing style?

I’d say most probably at the minute, Jeremy Doku. He’s off the cuff, never predictable, and always wants to cause a problem. I’d say he’s pretty similar to how I tried to go up against defenders.

Q: What's the most memorable moment you had whilst you were travelling with England?

Honestly, being on the plane going to the 2010 World Cup. Of course, the tournament didn’t work out the way we wanted, but just getting on that plane was a dream. You always want to play for your country, and being part of a major competition was massive. Every time I wore that shirt, I felt lucky and privileged.

Q: If you could relive 10 seconds from a moment in your career, what would it be?

My debut for England. Yeah, I’d like to relive that again, even if it was just 10 seconds.

Q: Which moment of your debut would you like to relive?

The part where I got to the box and shot — and it ended up in the back of the net. That segment of it.

Q: Talking about players currently, do you think they are too soft now in today's game?

I wouldn’t necessarily say they’re too soft. It’s just that the way coaches used to speak to us toughened our generation. From Sunday League upwards, it was different. Now the game has changed. Players are protected much more than we were.

Back when I played, I got kicked all over the pitch — and people would still stay on. Now, if a player gets kicked a couple of times, someone gets sent off. So it’s a different game now, not necessarily softer.

Q: Talking of wingers, who do you think is the best winger in the world right now?

Raphinha has been unbelievable, but when you see what Desire Doue did in the Champions League final — and that’s not even mentioning Lamine Yamal — it’s tough.

So I’m going to go with personal preference. Right now, Desire Doue is second, but Lamine Yamal… I just enjoy watching him. What he sees, how he plays — and at such a young age, the maturity on his shoulders is unbelievable.

Q: Is there one player that you never want to face again when you were playing?

Yeah — Ashley Cole. He made me defend too much, so yeah, I’d say Ash.

Ashley Cole

Q: Who’s the most underrated player that you played with?

Stephen Ireland, I would say. He was probably one of the most underrated players. When I came back from Chelsea, he was pretty much at the level I’d just left. So when I rejoined City, we had an instant understanding of how each other wanted to play.

Q: Is there one player that you wish you'd played with during your career?

Kevin De Bruyne — now. As an attacking player, you always want someone who can see your run. You don’t really want to call for the ball because then the defender knows it’s coming. You want someone who turns their head and just sees your movement. Kevin does that — he’s special. His pass appreciation is second to none.

Kevin De Bruyne

Q: Who was the hardest teammate that you ever had during your career?

That’s probably got to be Michael Essien. In training, it got to a point where Mourinho was thinking about making us all train in shin pads because of the way he tackled.

Q: Did you end up training in shin pads?

No, we didn’t. I think Mourinho was just saying it — but yeah, Michael Essien was just solid.

Q: How about the hardest player that you played against?

I’d probably go back to my early years and say David Unsworth from Everton. He used to try and kick me, bully me, all sorts. I knew I couldn’t match him for strength — so I just had to keep running!

Q: Who was the biggest joker in the Chelsea or City dressing room?

At City when I went back — I’d say Micah Richards. At Chelsea, there were a lot, but Michael Essien was another one. He was quiet but always laughing, cracking jokes, dancing — I’d say he was the biggest joker in training and around the club.

Michael Essien

Q: Who was the most stylish teammate you ever had — and who had the worst fashion sense?

I’d go with Claude Makelele for the most stylish — he had real swagger back then. As for worst… I wouldn’t say terrible, but Taribo West. He’d come to training in a three-piece suit and tie, shoes and all. It was just something we weren’t used to seeing!

Q: If you could only work with one manager again, who would it be and why?

I’m going to go with José Mourinho. Don’t get me wrong — I’d love to play every game — but these days that doesn’t happen anyway. Mourinho was already rotating squads back then. He was premeditated, he knew exactly what he wanted and when.

I always tell people about the Fulham game. Me and Joe Cole weren’t playing badly, but we weren’t getting the ball. Mourinho took us off after 25 minutes. I laughed because I couldn’t believe it — but we didn’t lose the game. He saw something and made the change. I liked the way he managed things.

The Special One

Q: What’s your favourite shirt you ever wore?

My favourite shirt would have to be my Man City number 29. I had it from my academy days when I first signed — it was the number I was given, and I carried it through as long as I could. I could’ve taken it back when I returned to City, or even at Chelsea, but I didn’t want to take it off another player who might’ve earned it like I did.