Guardiola shares faith in Phil Foden as he struggles with form
By Joel Masibo, May 9, 2026Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola has revealed that he has full faith struggling forward Phil Foden can get back to his best sooner rather than later, as the side hosts Brentford in the Premier League title race on Saturday, May 9, 2026.
Foden, who recently signed a new four-year deal with Man City, has had a difficult second half of the season after a promising period before Christmas. Still only 25, the Man City Academy graduate is already one of the most decorated players in English football history having helped the Etihad club to 19 major honours.
Only two seasons ago, the attacking midfielder was voted the Premier League Player of the Season and PFA Player of the Year after a star turn in his sixth title success.
Guardiola on Foden
While Guardiola is well aware Foden hasn’t been at his best recently, the City boss believes a return to form is around the corner.
“I said many times, there’s no doubts about Phil and his impact,” he said in Friday’s press conference ahead of our Saturday clash with Brentford.
“He’s a homegrown player from the Academy who’s been massively important in our seasons together. I wish from the bottom of my heart he can come back and play his best years with us and help to continue the team to be what it deserves to be.”
The England international was a late substitute in Monday night’s comeback draw at Everton, helping City recover from 3-1 down to score two late goal and earn a point.
Guardiola pleased
Guardiola was pleased with what he saw from the No.47 in that cameo.
“He had good minutes and movements against Everton,” he said.
“We talk about it. Phil, what is your biggest quality as a player? Turn and go and attack the box, don’t lose that.”
“He is not a player to control the game. Your quality is being a machine to attack the ball with a sense of assist and goals. It happened two or three times against Everton in a tough moment when we were one or two down, it’s not easy but he did really well.” Guardiola said.
Having enjoyed a stellar career to date, Guardiola is also keen to remind the Stockport-born Foden that there’s plenty of time to get back to the player he has been throughout so many historic successes.
The boss used the example of Manchester City’s current club captain, who recovered from a tough 2019/20 season to become an even more crucial cog in Guardiola’s successful teams. He also called for Foden to rediscover the enjoyment that typified his free-flowing style.