Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said he had “zero” concerns about the form of Phil Foden after the England midfielder failed to make an impact during the international window.
Foden, formally a pivotal player for City, has struggled for game time in 2026 and not played a full 90 minutes in any competition for the club since January 4.
He has only started four of City’s past 15 games and Guardiola has preferred to start players such as Antoine Semenyo and Rayan Cherki over the academy graduate.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested his World Cup place could be in jeopardy after he failed to impress against Japan, but Guardiola believes he can get back to his best.
He said on Friday: “He’s 25, won six Premier Leagues, won a lot of things, and the contribution he has done is incredible and what has happened is a normal process in a long career.
“It’s a normal situation and some moment he will make the click and he will turn back to what he is.”
Guardiola also said he has no concerns about Rodri’s future at Manchester City despite the player recently suggesting he was open to a move to Real Madrid.
City midfielder Rodri, whose contract at expires at the end of next season, said last week “you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world” when asked about the prospect of joining the Spanish giants.
Comments by multiple Premier League players on returns to Spain have made the headlines in recent weeks, with Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior dropping vice-captain Enzo Fernandez from the squad for the Blues’ next two games after openly courting Real Madrid.
Rodri added that he did want to return to play in his homeland and that there were no discussions ongoing about a new deal with City.
There have since been reports that a new contract has been offered and Guardiola is positive about the situation.
Asked if Rodri’s future at City was in doubt, Guardiola said: “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.”
Guardiola’s own contract expires in 2027 but there has been recurring speculation that he could leave this summer after 10 years at the helm.
There have been further rumours since City beat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final a fortnight ago, but he was unwilling to discuss the matter on Friday.
Speaking at a press conference to preview Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, Guardiola said: “I spoke many times about that.”
Ahead of facing Liverpool in a blockbuster clash he added the Reds were “many times the rival, the biggest, biggest one” for his side, and paid tribute to Mohamed Salah, who will leave Anfield at the end of the season.
“The numbers and consistency, what a player, what an incredible human being.
“Goals, assists and an absolute legend for Liverpool Football Club and the Premier League for all he has done.
“It is a good moment to say goodbye in this country tomorrow. He deserves incredible, incredible recognition for what he has given to world football and especially in this country.”
Additional reporting by PA
