Phil Foden opens up on struggles in last two months at Manchester City - 'One of the lowest parts of my career'
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Published 28/02/2023 at 22:49 GMT
England international Phil Foden has opened up on his struggles over the last two months which has seen him struggle with a foot problem since returning to domestic action after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Foden has been in and out of the starting 11, struggling for goal contributions until recently. He found the back of the net twice on Tuesday as Manchester City beat Bristol in the FA Cup.
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Phil Foden has admitted the last three months have been “one of the lowest” points in his career after a lack of game time at Manchester City due to a foot injury.
Since the World Cup in Qatar, Foden has started just seven games, primarily being used as a substitute and scored for the first time in the Premier League in over three months at the weekend.
On Tuesday, he found the back of the net twice as City beat Bristol City 3-0 to claim their place in the FA Cup quarter-final, underlining that he was back towards his best.
“I feel much better in my feet, it’s not easy when you play with discomfort in your feet,” Foden told ITV.
“I feel 100 per cent fit now and comfortable so hopefully I can come back into the team and help them as much as possible.
"It's been one of the lowest parts of my career. Everyone goes through them and it’s how you react. The discomfort in my feet and not playing as much. I love to play football and when I don't, I'm a bit frustrated.”
Asked about the importance of City doing well in the FA Cup, Foden added: “Very important. We haven’t won the FA Cup for a while and it’s something we want to speak about and we want to win it.
“The last few games have been brilliant and we look like we are making a step forward so hopefully we can keep up this form now and finish this season wrong.”
Foden is seen as one of England’s best young stars at just 22 years old, with call-ups to Euro 2020 and last year’s World Cup.
Pep Guardiola described Foden as “a gift” when the England international made his senior debut in 2017.
The City manager lauded his “work ethic and quality” during City’s win over Bristol which has put them in the quarter-finals.
“Footballers have ups and downs and his career has always gone up, up, up, up,” added Guardiola.
“This season after the World Cup he struggled a bit with the ankle so he was a bit down but now, the best part of the season, he’s back.”
“Phil was always at a high level since he arrived with us. His impact has been amazing.
“It’s important to be calm, grounded and when you work like he always does, football always pays off for you.”
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