Phil Foden: Manchester City Treble repeat is 'realistic' objective but accepts it will be 'harder this year'

Phil Foden says it's "realistic" for Manchester City to win a second Treble in a row this year but believes the Citizens now have a target on their back "because we're the best."

Pep Guardiola's all-conquering side landed the UEFA Champions League title for the first time in their history in 2022-23, alongside the Premier League and the FA Cup.

That success was backed up by adding the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup to the trophy cabinet this season.

And although Foden admits it will be hard to match the success of the previous campaign, he sees no reason why they can't continue to dominate.

"I think it’s realistic now it’s been done by us," the England international told CNN.

"We know what it takes, but it’s so hard because there are so many great teams out there. Every game we play out there seems to be a challenge because everyone wants to beat us, because we’re the best.

"It’s possible but I think it’s going to be harder to do it this year than last year, if that makes sense, because a lot more teams want to beat us.”

City sit second in the Premier League, five points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played one game more.

They are also through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, where they will face FC Copenhagen, while they tackle Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Friday.

Foden, still only 23, has played a key part in the campaign, already racking up 29 appearances and scoring 11 goals.

His importance to the team has increased due to Kevin De Bruyne missing five months with a hamstring injury.

However, the Belgium international returned against Huddersfield on January 7, before playing a starring role in the 2-1 win over Newcastle six days later.

"Kevin, for me, when he’s at it, is one of the best players in the world," Foden continued. "I don’t think anyone can play the game the way he does, the things he sees.

"To have him back is a massive boost for us and hopefully we can play together because it’s a pleasure to play with him.

"He always finds me in good areas and I always find him as well. We work well as a team so it’s great to have him back."

Meanwhile, Foden has also been discussing the future of manager Pep Guardiola.

The Spaniard's current contract is due to expire at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, which will be his ninth season at the Etihad Stadium.

Reports last summer suggested the former Barcelona boss would then call time on his stint with the club, something Foden hopes is not the case.

"I’ve not had another manager so it would be nice if he stays,” he said, before discussing his first meeting with Guardiola, who took charge of City in 2016.

"I was very nervous. I was training with the first team and I thought this standard is too high, I don’t know how I’m going to play in a team like this with all these superstars. But as time went on and I continued to train with them, I got better and better and handled how fast the game was.

"He’s learned me so many lessons…To remain humble I would say. He’s such a humble guy and I think he wants that from the players as well, so I’d probably say that as well.

“When he says good things it helps me a little bit I would say. It gives me more confidence and more belief in myself.

"I feel like this year I’m playing a different role as well, more in the midfield. I’ve enjoyed playing there because I remember when I used to play there in the Academy and it’s where I want to be. It’s where I’ve always seen myself playing.”

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