Pep Guardiola Praises Phil Foden's Hunger for the Game

Pep Guardiola

Manchester City's Phil Foden is rediscovering his appetite for the game after a challenging end to last season, with manager Pep Guardiola pointing to the midfielder's eagerness to keep playing even when exhausted as proof he is back to his best.

Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden has rediscovered his hunger after purple patch...

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes Phil Foden has regained his hunger for the game, marking a return to his best form. This resurgence is evident in Foden's eagerness to continue playing even when exhausted, a trait Guardiola sees as a sign of readiness.

After a tough end to last season, Foden's eagerness to keep playing even when exhausted is a sign that he's back to his best form. This resurgence is evident in his recent performances, including a goal and assist in City's 2-0 League Cup win over Huddersfield Town.

 

 Foden's impressive performance against Huddersfield Town in the League Cup, where he scored a goal and provided an assist, further solidifies Guardiola's assessment.

The 25-year-old struggled to replicate his stellar 2023-24 form - when he bagged 27 goals and 13 assists in all competitions and swept up player of the season awards - and failed to score between January and May last season.

Foden's Form: A Comparison

• 2023-2024 Season: Foden's stellar form earned him player of the season awards, with 27 goals and 13 assists in all competitions.
• Last Season: Foden struggled to replicate his form, failing to score between January and May.
• Current Season: Foden has bagged two goals and two assists in five appearances, showcasing his return to magic.

Pep 💬 (On Phil Foden) He wants to play every game because he's happy and that's the sign.... All of us know what Phil can do. No pressure, we want him to enjoy football. His physical condition is outstanding. Recovery time and his mind is ready. He can play every three days with… pic.twitter.com/uBo7FwZiMg

— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 26, 2025

Guardiola attributes Foden's resurgence to his positioning on the field, particularly when playing close to the box as a central No. 10. In this role, Foden's unique talent shines through, making him a real threat behind strikers. Guardiola praises Foden's physical condition, mental readiness, and ability to play at high intensity every three days.

The upcoming match against Burnley also marks Kyle Walker's return to the Etihad Stadium since leaving City. Guardiola expects a warm reception for Walker, who won several trophies, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, during his time at City.

Foden Showed He is Ready

“In that moment Phil said, 'I want to play again.' It's what happened when he arrived at 17 and wanted to play every day because he was happy. That is the sign that he is ready,” Guardiola added.

“All of us know what Phil can do, just let him play and enjoy football. His physical condition is outstanding, in his mind he is ready and he can play every three days with high intensity. Against Huddersfield he looked really, really good.”

Manchester City is set to host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025, with kickoff at 15:00 GMT. Manager Pep Guardiola confirmed that star striker Erling Haaland is ready to play after recovering from a back injury that kept him out of the Huddersfield game. Haaland has been in excellent form this season, scoring in all but one game.

Players' Availability for Upcoming Match

Erling Haaland: Ready to play after recovering from a back injury that ruled him out of the Huddersfield game.

Erling Haaland: Ready to play after overcoming his back injury.

Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush, and Abdukodir Khusanov: Sidelined due to injuries.

Mateo Kovacic: May be available for selection after recovering from Achilles tendon surgery.

Manchester City has a strong head-to-head record against Burnley, having won 18 out of 22 meetings, with three draws and only one loss. The Citizens are predicted to win 2-1, backed by their home form and average of 1.50 goals per game.

Kyle Walker's Return to the Etihad Stadium

Manchester City will host Burnley at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, September 27, 2025, marking Kyle Walker's first return to his former club since leaving in the summer. Walker, who won six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his eight-year tenure with City, will face his former team for the first time since joining Burnley. Pep Guardiola, City's manager, has praised Walker as “one of the greatest full-backs ever,” highlighting his consistency, leadership, and significant contributions to the team's success.

Guardiola expressed his admiration for Walker, stating that he will undoubtedly receive a warm reception from City fans, who appreciate his dedication and achievements with the club.

“I'm pretty sure everybody will be happy to see him,” Guardiola said.

“It was an unbelievable few years for us and he was the right back who defined our time here in the last eight years ... I'm pretty sure he will get the gratitude of our fans.

“One of the greatest in terms of consistency and no injuries and playing every single game, an incredible figure in the locker room.”