- Guardiola backed Foden to return to his best
- Man City boss compared his situation to Silva
- Foden needs to rediscover his form
Phil Foden has received a message of support from Pep Guardiola as the Manchester City boss backed him to rediscover his best form.
Phil Foden has not had the same influence this season as he had in his previous campaigns. However, Pep Guardiola remains convinced that Foden’s quality hasn’t disappeared.
The Catalan manager insists that the 25-year-old simply needs to reconnect with the joy and freedom that made him one of City’s most important players.
With Foden reportedly agreeing fresh terms with the Sky Blues, the England international is expected to make an impact again at the Etihad.
Pep Guardiola backs Phil Foden to return
Guardiola has made it clear that he has no doubts about Foden’s ability or long-term importance at Man City.
Speaking about the midfielder’s situation, the manager claimed that a player should never forget their own skills or potential.
“As a player, never forget who you are, your skills, your potential. Just go back to who you are – nothing [else]. Don’t pretend to be something different or something special, and it will come,” Guardiola said ahead of the Brentford clash.
The gaffer isn’t accusing Foden of lacking effort or discipline. He made it clear that the opposite is true and that Foden is trying to do unnecessary reinvention.
Guardiola uses Bernardo Silva example
Guardiola also compared Foden’s situation to Bernardo Silva, who had his own difficult spell before returning to his best.
The City boss said Bernardo did not play much in his first season. However, in his second campaign, the midfielder was ‘unbelievable’.
Later, he dropped off again in his third season due to a lack of energy, but he did come back, and Guardiola sees that as a useful example for Foden.
“Bernardo – as an example because he can represent stability, mentality – didn’t play much [in his first season], second season was the best, unbelievable, and third season was [down],” Guardiola told the press.
The manager added, “He said he didn’t have energy and, ‘Next season I’ll be back.’ Bernardo is special because he has incredible self-confidence, but third season was not good, really. And he came back.”
Foden still has time to explode again
At 25, Foden is young and still one of the most naturally talented players City have ever produced. However, the challenge now is to take the pressure off the England international.
Guardiola clearly sees the potential in Foden and believes he is yet to reach his ceiling. The manager also said that the forward needs to rediscover the pleasure of being a football player.
This suggests that right now, the pressure is getting to the player, with higher expectations set following his early breakthrough at the Etihad.
However, if the player can slowly let go and return to his best, the extension will be worth it for both the club and the player.
