The player of the year 2023/24 of the PFA has gone through a difficult period in recent times, in difficulty last season and victim of an ankle injury.
According to ESPN, Guardiola said that Foden was “the first player he is looking for”, hoping that the 25 -year -old will soon find the form that allowed him to dazzle the Premier League teams a little over a year ago. His 19 league goals during this season were reduced to only seven last season, while Foden only played one appearance this season, persistent injuries delaying his return in great shape. With the departure of Kevin de Bruyne and the end of the career of longtime pillars like Ilkay Gündogan and Bernardo Silva in City, Foden remained one of Guardiola's main creative outlets and one of the most important offensive players.
Joining the club since the age of four, Foden grew up learning from players like Bruyne and David Silva. As he enters his best years, Guardiola knows it's time for Foden to show up and become a man.
Guardiola's words on Foden
Guardiola said: “This is the first I am looking for. I absolutely want Phil to be happy and to play with joy, to be smiling with each training and that he can contribute. One of the reasons for our difficulties last season is his cruel lack in the last third of the field, his creativity and his work ethics. It is excellent in this area.
We saw a moment back after the blow, but a week later, it stops. After his return, another blow. All the players who come back must play and get involved on a daily basis, that's what we have to try to do. He must try anyway.
An important season could open for Foden
Foden could be in the running for a return during the Manchester derby on Sunday, which will start at 4.30 p.m. BST at the Etihad Stadium. He made a brief appearance as a replacement against Tottenham Hotspur, but has not played since his three goals in the World Cup this summer. This season could be important for Foden, who is trying to bounce back after a disappointing 2024/25 season.
