Pep Guardiola confirms Man City stance on Phil Foden after star's admission

Daily Mirror

23-05-2025

Pep Guardiola says that Manchester City will offer Phil Foden their full support after he opened on his mental and physical struggles following a difficult season
Pep Guardiola has assured Phil Foden that he's ready to do whatever it takes to nurse him back to health both physically and mentally. The Manchester City midfielder has been left out of the England squad for the World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the friendly with Senegal after sending a plea to Thomas Tuchel about needing a rest.
The 24-year-old has been a shadow of the player that was named FWA Footballer of the Year and PFA Player of the Year last season and has admitted that he's been plagued by an ankle injury and mental burn-out.
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Guardiola has named Foden in the squad for a final-day visit to Fulham from which City need a point to guarantee Champions League qualification - and that the Stockport-born academy graduate will be going to the Club World Cup in the United States next month.
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But the City boss said: 'Phil is family for us. He's come from being a baby boy from the academy to be a star with us. We want to help him, that's the most important thing. He needs rest - and it's going to happen after Sunday.
'Step by step he comes back and we want to help him. I don't care about his performances, I want him to feel good and the rest will come. In principle, he will come to America.'
City moved into third place by beating Bournemouth on Tuesday night and their superior goal difference means a point at Craven Cottage is likely to be enough to take them back into the Champions League.
Guardiola insisted he was joking when he suggested after the 3-1 win over the Cherries that he would quit the Etihad if new sporting director Hugo Viana attempts to build a bigger squad this summer after seeing City's season undermined by injuries.
But he did admit that his players are now facing a make-or-break game that will have consequences for the future. Guardiola said: 'I was laughing when I said that - I'm not going to quit. But the expression is the same: I don't want players at home when the team is playing.
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'Everyone needs the chance to compete. Injuries, if they happen, are a big problem but we expect next season to be different. In the last three weeks or a month, four or five players sitting at home is not healthy for any of us, for the club, me, anyone. The club knows it and agrees with me, we're going to find the best way for all of us.
'This is by far the biggest game of the season. It's really important and Fulham are an exceptional team. Wow, it will be a tough game.
'If we don't get it (the result) then I will tell you afterwards what will happen. We must also think about what happens if we are in the Champions League.'
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