- Man City boss Pep Guardiola has backed forward Phil Foden
- England international Foden has not played 90 minutes since early January
- Foden has 15 G/A in 41 appearances this season
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has spoken out in defence of Phil Foden ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool.
Phil Foden has started just four of Man City’s last 15 matches in all competitions.
The 25-year-old forward has not played 90 minutes for City since January 4, in a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Some have suggested his time at the Etihad may be nearing an end, with former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor suggesting Foden should leave Man City.
But despite struggling for form and minutes, Guardiola says he is not worried by Foden’s output this season, and believes such a dip is normal for a player of his calibre.
Pep Guardiola has ‘zero concerns’ about Phil Foden
Speaking in Friday’s press conference, Guardiola re-affirmed his belief in Man City’s academy graduate.
Guardiola said: “Zero [concerns about Phil Foden]. He’s 25, 26 years old. Six Premier Leagues, won a lot of things. His contribution has been incredible.
“What’s happening is a normal process in a long, long career. It’s a normal situation.
“The moment he clicks he will be back to what he is.”
Manchester City are keen to keep Phil Foden
Despite plenty of speculation, Phil Foden is not expected to leave Manchester City this summer.
The 25-year-old remains a key member of Guardiola’s squad, and the club have no immediate plans to sell him.
Foden is contracted to the club until next year, with discussions over a new deal thought to be progressing positively.
He will be hoping to regain his form quickly, though. England manager Thomas Tuchel will soon name his squad for this summer’s World Cup, and Foden will be desperate to earn a place.
However, unless he can start performing to the levels he has shown previously, Tuchel could opt against selecting the Stockport-born star.
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