Guardiola says Man City star showing ‘glimpses’ of getting back to his best | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes that Phil Foden has shown “glimpses” of returning to his best form.

Foden was undoubtedly at his best during the 2023/24 campaign, playing a crucial role in City’s fourth successive Premier League title.

The Englishman fired in 19 goals and provided eight assists in the league that season, scooping up the Premier League Player of the Year award.

However, following a Euros campaign that was underwhelming on a personal note that summer, the 25-year-old has yet to return to those levels.

Last season the attacker only recorded seven goals from 28 league appearances, and Guardiola said: “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.”

This season has gotten off to a similarly slow start for the attacking midfielder. He picked up an injury ahead of the season starting, and has only played 15 minutes so far.

City’s boss confirmed that Foden would be fit for the Manchester derby on Sunday, a fixture that he has enjoyed in the past.

“He is the person that I’m looking for,” Guardiola said of the Englishman. “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.

Asked when he expects Foden to return to his best, Guardiola admitted: “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.

“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.”