Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed his eagerness for Phil Foden to rediscover his peak form, emphasizing the importance of the England international finding joy and a smile on his face once more. Foden, the 2023/24 PFA Player of the Year, has faced challenges recently, experiencing a dip in form last season and dealing with an ankle injury.
Guardiola's Hope for Foden's Return
Guardiola believes Foden has shown "glimpses" of returning to his best. The 25-year-old played a pivotal role in City's fourth consecutive Premier League title in the 2023/24 season, scoring 19 goals and providing eight assists. However, his form dipped after an underwhelming Euros campaign.
"One of the reasons why we struggled last season is because we missed him a lot. In the final third, the creativity, the work ethic and yeah,” Guardiola stated.
Injury and Slow Start to the Season
Foden's current season has also had a slow start due to an injury sustained before the season began. He has only played 15 minutes so far. However, Guardiola confirmed that Foden is fit for the upcoming Manchester derby on Sunday, a fixture where he has previously excelled.
"He is the person that I’m looking for,” Guardiola said. “I’m desperate for him to feel happy and to enjoy and have a smile on his face in every training session. And then he can make contributions."
Challenges and Expectations
Guardiola acknowledged the challenges Foden faces in regaining his form, citing setbacks due to knocks and the need for consistent game time. "We have a glimpse of ‘oh he is coming back’ and after a knock, then one week, ten days stop. And after ‘oh he is coming back’ and then another knock," Guardiola explained.
He added, "All the players to come back have to play games and be there day by day. That is what we have to try to do. He has to try anyway.”