Premier League
I Don’t Want To Think About Pep Guardiola Leaving – Says Phil Foden
Manchester City midfielder, Phil Foden, expressed his reluctance to consider the potential departure of manager Pep Guardiola next season as he prepares for Saturday’s FA Cup final against local rivals United.
Following Manchester City’s remarkable achievement of securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title, manager Pep Guardiola suggested a potential departure from the club after his contract expires next season, stating that he is more inclined to leave than to stay.
“I’ve not known any other thing apart from him,” Foden told BBC Sport in an interview published on Thursday. “So it’ll be strange when he does go. I don’t want to think too much about it. I want to enjoy the things we’re doing now with him.”
Phil Foden, who was front and center for Manchester City this season, was named the Premier League’s Player of the season after scoring 27 goals and providing 11 assists across all competitions. He showcased his versatility by excelling in central positions as well as on the wing when required.
“I feel like there’s other managers out there who complicate it a little bit,” Foden said of the Spaniard. “The best advice he gave me this season was ‘don’t try and be Phil Foden in every action’, and I feel like that advice went a long way.”
Guardiola is now praised for nurturing Foden’s versatility on the field, although he faced criticism for not granting the 23-year-old sufficient playing opportunities in previous seasons.
“I think I believed in what the manager was saying. I believed in the process,” he added. “When I wasn’t playing, I knew there were better players in front of me. And I knew the more I grew up and the longer time that went, there’d be an opportunity for me.”
Foden rejected suggestions that City would easily win the FA Cup final at Wembley. “Last year United didn’t make it easy for us,” he added.
“When it’s a derby, on your day anyone can win so, it’s something we have to look forward to and be at our best if we’re going to win.”
