Just before winning his most recent Premier League title with Manchester City, Phil Foden had a private conversation with Pep Guardiola.
Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola (Image: Getty)
Just before lifting their most recent Premier League trophy, Pep Guardiola and Phil Foden took a moment to reflect on how far the Manchester City winger has come.
With Foden playing in his best form to date, City won their fourth straight title this season, setting a new English record. The forward won Footballer of the Year and Player of the Season in the Premier League, showcasing his abilities as a potential No. 10.
In his 270 City appearances, Foden, who recently turned 24, has averaged a trophy every 15 games and has 17 winners’ medals in his collection. And because of his performance this year, his manager said that he has “grown up” to become a leader for Guardiola after a breakout campaign.
“It’s funny, I feel like the City manager sometimes thinks I’m still that little boy, which I don’t mind,” he said in an interview with the Daily Mail. Even last week, as I was making my way onto the stage to receive my [Premier League] winner’s medal, he told me, ‘You’ve grown up now. It’s nice to have experienced this rollercoaster together and to have so many wonderful memories in common.”
However, Foden is aware that as long as Guardiola stays at the Etihad, he shouldn’t fall into the trap of believing that will make things easier for him the following season.
He said, “You know the manager.” “I adore that he pushes us to the limit and always expects more from us. He’s unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. I’m not sure how he maintains this level of energy. Pep was the best person to have by my side the entire time. At such a young age, he trusted me with big games, and for that, I am really grateful.”
When Foden looked back on his previous career, he never thought about leaving on a temporary contract, despite the opinions of outside critics who thought he should have been playing more or even sent out on loan. He now acknowledges, though, that it was still annoying to have to wait for regular games under Guardiola.
“It’s frustrating sometimes when you know what you’re capable of and you don’t show it,” he said. Even though I was very young at the time, I had the impression that I knew what I was capable of. It’s possible that I became emotional because performing for City is very important to me. I was so determined to do it, and I had the fire in my belly to do it. That’s what gives me fire as a player. I always want to give it my all and show people who’m wrong.”
