Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola has emphasized the importance of Phil Foden regaining his best form for the team to have a successful season.
Foden, English midfielder, scored the first goal in City’s victory over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. In addition, he participated in the second goal of the match, sealing a resounding 3-0.
Last season, Foden struggled to replicate his outstanding contribution of 27 goals across all competitions during the 2023-24 campaign.
In June, the 25-year-old player chose not to participate in commitments with the English national team to take a break and recharge. In his first start of the season against United, he opened his goalscoring account.
The result against United marks a perfect start to a crucial week for City, who will face Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday and Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday. Guardiola’s team recovered from two consecutive defeats against Tottenham and Brighton before the international break, which allowed them to move up the table.“We missed him a lot last season. We need him a lot. We cannot forget two seasons ago, when we won the last game against West Ham (to win the title), he was the most important player in the Premier League. Maybe he was the key player to win that league. Last season, due to injuries, due to other reasons, he couldn’t be with us. Hopefully, step by step, he can give his best. I am sure that a match like today’s against United is special for him because he is an incredible Manchester City supporter. I am sure he will have the best feeling,” Guardiola expressed.
Pep Guardiola
“It’s just a game. We have to prove it. But it’s true that winning games, especially in the derby, and seeing the faces of all the fans, all the joy and all the happiness after the game, is always better. It’s a game, but it’s important, after two defeats, to do it at home against United. The spirit was really good,” added Guardiola.
Pep Guardiola
