Phil Foden sends Pep Guardiola starting line-up message after ‘exhausting’ Arsenal draw | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has revealed a clear message from Phil Foden over his game time in the Manchester City squad at present, despite the relentless ongoing schedule.

The 25-year-old has been central to Guardiola’s plans across the past fortnight in particular, delivering decisive contributions both in the Premier League and in cup competitions against high-level opposition.

Against Arsenal last weekend, City were forced into a physically draining contest at the Emirates that ended level, while in midweek at Huddersfield, Foden opened the scoring and later provided the assist for Savinho’s second goal of the contest, securing a place in the fourth round of the League Cup.

Since breaking into the first team as a teenager, Foden has consistently shown a hunger to play whenever called upon, even in periods when rotation seemed the sensible choice for the purpose of rest amid a tight schedule.

The midfielder’s ability to recover quickly between matches and maintain performance levels has only reinforced his reputation as one of the most indispensable figures in Manchester City’s squad, while it is now that energy and enthusiasm that has been particularly important.

Manchester City’s depth has allowed Pep Guardiola to rotate in other positions, but in midfield and attacking roles, Phil Foden’s consistency has made him difficult to leave out.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of the weekend’s clash with Burnley, Pep Guardiola revealed that Phil Foden has made it clear he wants to be involved in Manchester City’s starting line-ups as much as possible.

“Phil always took responsibility since day one. I remember when he was 17, 18 years-old when he started to play and train with us, I said, ‘That guy’,” Guardiola told reporters.

The Manchester City boss continued, “And the biggest example is the game against Arsenal, like everybody was exhausted and tired because we ran a lot behind the ball, and we parked the bus and so on. In that moment, Phil said, ‘I want to play again, and I want to play again’.

“And it’s what happened when he arrived, at 17, 18, 19 years-old, and wanting to play every day because he was happy, the joy to play. And that is the best sign that he’s ready. And after play good or bad, or good decisions or bad decisions; this is not the point.

“We know everything, all of us, know what Phil can do. We don’t want to put him under pressure, just the joy to play football. When his physical condition is outstanding, his recovery time and everything, when his mind is ready, he can play every three days with a high intensity at a good level.

“And the game he played against Huddersfield was, again, really, really good.”

Looking ahead, Foden’s determination to play every game could create intriguing decisions for Guardiola as the season progresses, with Manchester City fighting across the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.

An insistence could also affect squad rotation for attackers such as Savinho and Oscar Bobb, who are competing for minutes in wide roles, as well as the return of Rayan Cherki in October – a player signed for the attacking midfield roles in particular.

Pep Guardiola may look to strike a balance, giving Phil Foden regular starts while still ensuring the emerging stars gain vital experience. As City prepare for Burnley this weekend, Foden’s message is clear in wanting to be the heartbeat of the side, no matter the physical toll.