Phil Foden’s Man City and England struggles a “normal situation”, insists Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has shutdown any suggestions of worry over Phil Foden’s form for Manchester City and England of late, speaking ahead of his side’s return this weekend.

The 25-year-old playmaker has found himself in an unfamiliar position for most of the last two seasons, struggling to maintain his status as an undisputed starter following the high-impact arrivals of Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki.

Despite a prolific autumn where he spearheaded Manchester City’s charge under new Sporting Director Hugo Viana, Foden has not completed a full 90 minutes in any competition since early January, leading to intense scrutiny over his physical condition and tactical fit.

The pressure has only intensified following a difficult March international break with Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, where Foden failed to register a goal or assist across two high-profile friendly fixtures ahead of the summer’s major tournament.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America looming, the ‘Stockport Iniesta’ currently finds himself at a career crossroads, fighting to reclaim his place in a City line-up that recently secured the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory over Arsenal.

Guardiola issues words of support to Foden

Speaking ahead of Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday afternoon, Pep Guardiola was asked whether he held any concerns over Phil Foden’s performance struggles for both club and country.

“Nothing, zero [concerns over his form]. He’s 25, 26 years-old, he’s won six Premier Leagues, a lot of things, and his contribution to what we have done is incredible,” insisted Guardiola.

The 55-year-old continued, “And what happened is a normal process in a long, long, long career. It’s a normal situation.

“And the moment he will make a click and turn, he’ll be back to what he is.”

Foden’s next few weeks are crucial to his England fate

Pep Guardiola’s unwavering public support comes at a critical juncture, as Manchester City prepare to host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium in a bid to reach a record-breaking eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final.

While Foden has managed seven goals and goals assists in the Premier League this term, he has seen his minutes squeezed by the form of Nico O’Reilly in midfield and the tactical preference for Bernardo Silva in central areas.

The final two months of the campaign will be defining for Phil Foden’s immediate future at the club, and with Manchester City still chasing a domestic double, the “click” Pep Guardiola refers to will likely be the difference between the midfielder heading to the World Cup as England’s talisman, as a high-profile impact sub for Tuchel’s three lions, or not joining the team at all.