Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has admitted this campaign has been one of the toughest in his career, citing personal struggles and a significant ankle injury as contributing factors.
The 24-year-old had an outstanding previous season, netting 19 times in the Premier League and playing a key role in City’s historic fourth consecutive league title. His performances earned him a number of accolades, including Player of the Season, Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, and a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.
However, this year has been markedly different. Foden has found the back of the net only 10 times across all competitions and is currently enduring a 19-game goal drought for both club and country, a run that dates back to January.
Injury and mental challenges
Foden sustained what he described as “bad” ligament damage in his ankle following a tackle from Casemiro during a Manchester derby that ended without goals on 6 April. Though he missed the next two fixtures, he rejoined training earlier than expected. Despite returning, the injury required careful management and slowed his momentum.
The England international has acknowledged that off-field matters have also affected his performance. He explained that mental challenges have made this season particularly difficult and admitted that life events have, at times, overshadowed football.
“I’ve had a lot to deal with away from football,” said Foden, adding that he hopes to regain his form in the coming year. He is determined to get back to the levels he reached during the last campaign, saying he knows the standards he expects of himself and what he is capable of achieving.
Looking ahead to club and country duties
During the goalless clash at Old Trafford, Foden was also the target of offensive chanting involving his mother, something Pep Guardiola later described as lacking decency from rival supporters.
Earlier this year, Foden revealed to the Manchester Evening News that he had experienced both physical and emotional exhaustion. Reflecting on the season, he expressed hope of returning stronger, both mentally and physically, in the next term.
City’s season has ended without silverware, having fallen short in the league, been eliminated early from the Champions League, and lost the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace. They wrap up their campaign with a visit to Fulham, where a draw would secure Champions League qualification for the next season.
With the expanded Club World Cup beginning in the United States on 14 June, there’s little time for rest. Foden noted the mental fatigue among the squad and said that while some clubs may approach the tournament with less intensity, City will treat it seriously.
Meanwhile, England manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to name his squad on Friday for the upcoming qualifier in Andorra and a friendly against Senegal. Foden said decisions about whether he participates will depend on discussions between the national side and his club, as his ankle may still need further recovery.
“I don’t know yet,” he said. “We’ll talk it through and decide what’s best.”
