Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is confident his 24-year-old attacker Phil Foden will be back to his best in a matter of time.
The Englishman has struggled to hit the heights he reach last season, as he scored 28 goals in all competitions for club and country, and was also named PFA Player of the Year — but has only managed just one start this season, against Watford in the League Cup.
Guardiola insisted he was not concerned and maintained Foden will be in good shape soon, while speaking ahead of City’s Champions League game in Slovakia against Slovan Bratislava.
“Maybe I can have some doubts in many things, but Phil Foden is going to be back! As much as he feels good, he will be back,” Guardiola said to reporters.
“I think in 30 minutes at St James’ Park [against Newcastle on Saturday], I felt already something that I like that I didn’t see for example against Watford.”
Foden is yet to find the back of the net this term but an away trip to Bratislava, who lost 5-1 in their opening game at Celtic, could be a good time for him to open his account.
“Don’t forget after the Euros he didn’t have any training for two months, he had problems with some niggles and some problems in his health,” Guardiola added.
“But now he is smiling and he’s in his rhythm. He was the best player in the Premier League last season so we need him, he was important for us, but I have no doubts with his love for football and his training and passion, he will be back.”
