Pep Guardiola has declared he holds "zero" concerns regarding the recent dip in form of Phil Foden, despite the midfielder facing challenges in securing regular playing time for both Manchester City and the England national team. The Manchester City manager emphasised that such fluctuations are a typical part of a professional footballer's lengthy career, offering his full support to the 25-year-old as he works to regain his peak performance.
Foden's Struggles for Game Time
Phil Foden, once a central figure in Guardiola's squad, has encountered limited opportunities on the pitch in 2026. He has not completed a full 90-minute match in any competition for Manchester City since January 4, starting in only four of the club's last 15 fixtures. Guardiola has recently favoured other players, such as Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki, over the academy graduate, raising questions about Foden's role moving forward.
International Concerns and Guardiola's Perspective
England manager Thomas Tuchel has hinted that Foden's place in the World Cup squad could be at risk following a lacklustre display against Japan. However, Guardiola remains optimistic, stating on Friday that Foden's experience and past achievements—including six Premier League titles—position him well for a comeback. "It's a normal situation in a long career," Guardiola explained. "At some moment, he will make the click and return to what he is."
Rodri's Future at Manchester City
In addition to addressing Foden's form, Guardiola commented on the future of midfielder Rodri, who has been linked with a potential move to Real Madrid. Rodri's contract is set to expire at the end of the next season, and he recently acknowledged that "you can't turn down the best clubs in the world" when discussing the possibility of joining the Spanish giants. This follows similar headlines involving other Premier League players, such as Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea, who was dropped after openly courting Real Madrid.
Contract Talks and Guardiola's Confidence
Despite reports of a new contract offer being extended to Rodri, Guardiola expressed confidence in the situation while remaining cautious. When asked if Rodri's future at City was in doubt, he responded, "No. I have no opinion because I know the intention of the club, and I think I know the intention of him—but I don't know." This statement underscores the ongoing negotiations and uncertainty surrounding the player's long-term commitment.
Guardiola's Own Contract Speculation
Amid these discussions, speculation continues to swirl around Guardiola's own future, with his contract due to expire in 2027. Rumours have persisted that he might depart this summer after a decade in charge, particularly following Manchester City's recent Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal. However, Guardiola declined to elaborate on the matter during a press conference previewing the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, simply noting, "I spoke many times about that."
Tribute to Mohamed Salah
Ahead of the highly anticipated clash with Liverpool, Guardiola paid tribute to Mohamed Salah, who is set to leave Anfield at the season's end. He praised Salah as "an incredible human being" and a legend for Liverpool and the Premier League, highlighting his consistent goal contributions and impact on world football. "It is a good moment to say goodbye in this country tomorrow," Guardiola added. "He deserves incredible, incredible recognition for what he has given."
This comprehensive update from Guardiola covers key personnel issues at Manchester City, blending support for struggling players with insights into contract negotiations and future plans, all while maintaining focus on upcoming critical matches.
