The City academy graduate, Phil Foden, has struggled with a foot issue that has kept him out of several games in recent weeks, but he is now eager and ready to play ahead of another demanding schedule. He has been on the fringes of the starting lineups recently.
The England international claims that players can do little more than work hard to win over Pep Guardiola, despite the fact that the manager frequently chooses Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, and Julian Alvarez over Phil Foden.
Also Foden has heaped praise on two academy standouts who have upended the first-team squad hierarchy in recent weeks with their performance. Rico Lewis also has virtually taken over the right-back position, and Cole Palmer has improved this season throughout the midfield and the attacking line.
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Phil Foden speaks on Pep Guardiola’s team selection
“I am just all for the team. I just want to work hard in every opportunity that I get and it is all about just helping the team,”
Foden insists.
“The manager is going to mix the team up sometimes, but you have always just got to be ready to try and help when you are called upon. There is no secret. I think you don’t just get into the City team without deserving it with Pep (Guardiola). You have to show something, and you have to work hard in training.”
Furthermore, Phil Foden continued as he pointed towards the club’s younger stars as prime examples of working hard to reap rewards,
“The likes of Rico (Lewis) and Cole (Palmer), they have worked extremely hard to get where they are now and to get the rewards they are getting.”
“It is really nice to see because I know how they feel, I have been in their shoes before. It is nice for me to see Academy players alongside me in the first team.”
“I have been through it before, and I understand the situation they are in. Hopefully when I speak to them, I can give them the right advice. In this place it is all about working hard and you will get your rewards.”
Manchester City catching up on Arsenal
Following a slight foot issue, Phil Foden returned to training this week, giving him a chance to play in Manchester City’s next Premier League game against Tottenham on Sunday.
At the top of the Premier League standings, City are now five points behind Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta’s club has a game in hand over Pep Guardiola and his team because they still have matches at Etihad Stadium and Emirates Stadium.
Last week, Manchester City beat the Gunners 1-0 to advance to the FA Cup fifth round, giving them what can be considered an early psychological advantage over their championship rivals.
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