Frank Christian
Pep Guardiola has expressed confidence in Phil Foden’s ability to regain and maintain peak performance following a shaky beginning to the Manchester City season.
Last season, Foden, the talented England midfielder, took home the top accolades in the Premier League, amassing 19 goals and providing eight assists, which played a crucial role in securing City’s unprecedented fourth consecutive title.
This season, Foden has faced challenges with bouts of illness and minor injuries, mentioning feelings of “fatigue” and “burnout” after City’s dominant 5-0 victory over Sparta Prague in the UEFA Champions League.
He scored a spectacular solo goal against the Czech team, an achievement Guardiola praised when discussing Foden’s recent performances.
“When he is fit, we will fully benefit from him. He is a natural talent,” Guardiola stated before the upcoming Premier League match against Southampton.
“His goal against Prague showcased his incredible ability to change the course of a game.”
Such exceptional talent, particularly one capable of winning matches single-handedly, is extremely valuable even for a strong collective like City, which has been a hallmark of Guardiola’s strategy.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 24, 2024
Foden excelled in a more prominent position last season while Kevin De Bruyne was sidelined. With De Bruyne currently out once again due to a thigh injury, it would be advantageous for Foden to return to form.
Although De Bruyne has resumed training, Guardiola is cautious and won’t push him back into play due to ongoing injuries affecting other players in the squad.
“Not yet, I can’t say when De Bruyne will return,” Guardiola remarked.
De Bruyne, alongside Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, and Jeremy Doku, will be unavailable for the Southampton match, in addition to long-term absentees Rodri and Oscar Bobb.
