Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has sparked debate by suggesting that the team's current tactical setup might not be fully utilizing the potential of star midfielder Phil Foden. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Guardiola hinted at a possible disconnect between Foden's current role and his optimal position, igniting speculation about potential adjustments to City's strategy.
Foden, a product of Manchester City's youth academy, has been a key figure in the team's success in recent years. However, Guardiola's recent comments suggest that he believes Foden is capable of even more. "He (Foden) is the first I'm looking for, desperate to feel happy, in the joy, and in every training session he's smiling on his face and can contribute," Guardiola stated, emphasizing his desire to see Foden thriving and expressing his importance to the team.
Foden endured a challenging 2024-25 season, coinciding with Manchester City's relatively underwhelming performance, where they finished third in the Premier League, exited the Champions League in the Round of 16, and lost the FA Cup final. Guardiola has shown sympathy and patience towards Foden, acknowledging that injuries and inconsistent form have hindered the young forward. Despite showing promise at the FIFA Club World Cup in June, Foden has not started in the opening Premier League games this season.
Guardiola highlighted Foden's recurring fitness setbacks as a significant obstacle. "We have a glimpse of, 'Oh, he's coming back', and after a knock, one week or 10 days he stops, and after he comes back and another knock," he explained. He stressed the importance of consistent game time for Foden to regain his peak form.
Despite not specifying the exact tactical adjustments he might consider, Guardiola's praise for Foden's versatility suggests that a central role could be key to unlocking his full potential. This sentiment aligns with observations from other managers, including Thomas Tuchel, who believe Foden excels in central areas.
Foden himself has expressed a strong desire to make a decisive impact for the team. Following a recent match against Leeds, where he scored two goals, Foden spoke about his "hunger" to score more and his determination to be a player who can "make a difference". He also revealed that a tactical reshuffle and team-talk by Guardiola during that game was a turning point.
Guardiola's influence on Foden's career has been immense, carefully integrating him into the first team and nurturing his development. Guardiola once even fined himself after an outburst aimed at Foden during a game, showcasing his respect for Foden's courage and personality.
As Manchester City prepares for upcoming crucial matches, including a derby against Manchester United, the question of how to best utilize Phil Foden's talents remains a central topic. Guardiola's acknowledgment that Foden might be playing "against his potential" suggests that changes could be on the horizon, potentially reshaping City's attack and providing Foden with the platform to reach new heights.
