Guardiola says Phil Foden is ‘back’ after Champions League double – and explains Rodri absence | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden is back to near his best after scoring twice for Man City in their 4-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.

Foden’s double along with another Erling Haaland goal and a late Rayan Cherki strike secured a big Champions League win for Guardiola’s side.

And Guardiola says he is delighted to see Foden back among the goals after a difficult last season.

“This season he’s back,” Guardiola said.

“Not just Phil, all of us struggled (last season), but it happened.

“But yeah, when Phil is at that level, playing in between the lines and in the pockets, his first touch, his turn, and after his generosity. Running and fighting.

“As long as Phil is happy and laughing and enjoying, you don’t have to say much because he’s a special player.

“But we need his goals definitely and hopefully today he made the first step to doing it.

“Before the big, big match on Sunday, it’s important to have him back.

“He’s a top class player and we missed him a lot especially with his happiness. Now you feel he is back and after that he can do whatever he wants.”

Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad will be announced on Friday, with Foden having been left out of recent squads.

Asked if he deserves a recall, Guardiola responded: “There is no person in this country or around the world that doesn’t know his ability but England is lucky to have a mountain of good players in his position, that’s why Phil has to push himself to be better and better.”

Meanwhile, Rodri missed the win over Dortmund but Guardiola says it is nothing serious.

“It’s nothing dangerous, I would say,” he said. “More caution than anything else.”