Pep Guardiola provides truth behind Phil Foden’s return to form after difficult 12 months

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given some insight into Phil Foden’s return to form after a difficult 12 months on the pitch for the England international.

Foden has shown glimpses of his former best in Manchester City’s recent run of wins against Manchester United and Napoli, having opened the scoring with a header in the former and set up Erling Haaland to break the deadlock in the latter on Thursday evening.

The 25-year-old was named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year two seasons ago after spearheading Manchester City to their fourth successive Premier League title and enjoying his best season since breaking into Pep Guardiola’s first-team squad in 2017.

City come up against title rivals Arsenal on Sunday and Foden has made a strong case in City’s victories over Manchester United and Napoli to retain his starting spot at the Emirates Stadium, where the Blues were handed a 5-1 drubbing by Mikel Arteta’s men in February.

Reflecting on Foden’s impressive performance in Manchester City’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League win over Napoli in midweek, Guardiola gave a peak through the curtain on how Foden is slowly but surely returning to his best.

“We are so happy because I know that as much as he’s happy, has joy, and his life is fine, the rest; his nature, his incredible talent comes along,” said Guardiola on Foden.

This is a developing story. More to follow.

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