Pep Guardiola’s Desire for Phil Foden’s Return
Pep Guardiola has expressed a strong desire for Phil Foden to return to peak form and rediscover his enjoyment of the game. The young England midfielder faced a challenging 2024-25 season with Manchester City, where he made just 20 appearances—well below his performance from the previous season when he starred with 33 starts, scored 19 goals, and provided eight assists, earning the title of player of the year as City clinched their fourth consecutive Premier League trophy.
Foden’s Fitness Struggles
Foden’s fitness woes have limited his contributions, with the 25-year-old managing only a mere 15 minutes of play in the first three matches of the current season. His absence from the England squad highlights the ongoing struggles he has faced and contributes to Guardiola’s urgent wish to see him return to full health. As Manchester City seeks to rebound from consecutive defeats, they will face rivals Manchester United this Sunday.
Importance of Foden’s Role
Foden’s role has become increasingly vital following the departure of key playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, positioning him as one of City’s primary sources of creativity. Guardiola acknowledged this, commenting:
“He’s the first I’m looking for. I am eager for Phil to regain his happiness and play with joy. I want to see him smiling in training and able to contribute fully. Last season, we greatly missed his presence in the final third and his work ethic during matches.”
Ongoing Challenges
Despite showing promising form during the summer’s Club World Cup, where he appeared fit after a much-needed break after last season, ankle issues have continued to hinder Foden’s progress. Guardiola noted:
“We thought he was returning after his injury, but then another setback occurred. We need him to be consistently involved, so he must work on his recovery day by day. He needs to do whatever it takes to come back.”
