Phil Foden has not looked himself in recent games, but Pep Guardiola has told the attacker how to get back on track.
Wednesday night was a real low point for Manchester City and Phil Foden was one of the players who really seemed to struggle.
Following the game, Man City fans blasted Foden on social media, with many calling for the Englishman to be dropped from the starting lineup.
However, Pep Guardiola believes there is just one thing Foden must do in order to return to his usual high standards.
Pep Guardiola tells Phil Foden to play with freedom
Despite the supporters having their say, Guardiola has insisted that Foden played well against Nottingham Forest.
The manager is also confident the 25-year-old will be back to his best once he rediscovers how to play with freedom in the final third.
Guardiola said in his press conference: “Step by step, he will be back. Have the courage to be incredibly free in his mind and his soul to express his incredible talents in the final third. Get the ball, turn, and go. Step by step he will get it.
“Against Nottingham Forest he played good. I didn’t watch the game [back], but I had the feeling he played really good.
“We are used to him being incredibly decisive in the final third, and it happens when you don’t think about the consequences. Be free in the final third. The moment he unlocks one action, he will be back.”
Foden could start in the FA Cup against Newcastle
It would have been no surprise if Foden was benched for Man City’s next match, but Guardiola might actually decide to give him another chance.
After all, the man in charge has already said he thought Foden played well against Forest, so why would he drop him from the starting lineup.
If Foden is given another chance, it will be a massive opportunity for him to step up in a game which Man City simply have to win to remain in the FA Cup.
