Manager convinced the 25-year-old can reach previous highs again
Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden will return to his best form once he rediscovers his enjoyment of football after a difficult season at Manchester City.
Foden has slipped down the pecking order in recent months and has not started a Premier League match for more than two months.
The England international was named the league’s best player just two years ago, and Guardiola remains convinced the 25-year-old can reach those levels again. Foden has agreed a new contract in principle with City until 2030.
“Just recover that spirit, the pleasure to be a football player,” Guardiola said.
“Not because I have a contract. Not because I have duties to do. Not because I have to win that game. Forget about all of that.
“It’s just a joy to play football like you were a little boy and we’re in the streets or in the school or in the academy in Man City. It’s just getting back to that feeling. And when that happens, he’ll explode again and he’ll be back.”
City head into Saturday’s match against Brentford with the chance to move within two points of league leaders Arsenal.
Despite Arsenal remaining favourites for the title, Guardiola said City’s younger players are benefiting from the experience of being involved in a title race.
“It’s the first time that Marc Guehi, Khusa [Abdukodir Khusanov], Gigi [Gianluigi Donnarumma] – not the first time but the first time here – Antoine [Antoine Semenyo],” Guardiola said.
“It’s the first time we’re in a title race. You know, the feeling. The feeling that ‘oh, I cannot lose that game’. And sometimes you need, maybe, time to live that. But it’s what I said. So, still, we are here.
“The season has been more than good so far. So, let’s win the next game. And after, we’ll see what happens and we’ll see in the future.”
