Phil Foden: Pep Guardiola could be to blame as Man City star’s struggles continue
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Credit: Imago Phil Foden: Pep Guardiola could be to blame as Man City star’s struggles continue Thu 19 March 2026 16:00, UK Phil Foden has Manchester City fans worried once again with his disappointing drop in performances at the Etihad Stadium.Pep Guardiola benched the 25-year-old for both Champions League legs against Real Madrid, not even giving him a single minute as the Citizens were knocked out of the competition in the round of 16.He has only started one of the last seven games, and despite notching 13 goals and six assists this season, the playmaker has just a single goal contribution in his last 19 games.Man City next face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, which could be a defining game for the club, but it remains to be seen if Foden is going to play any role in the upcoming clash against the Gunners.Credit: Imago ⚽ Man City Matchday ⚽ Team news, line-ups, tactical previews and expert breakdowns for every Manchester City fixture. VISIT THE MATCH HUBPhil Foden is a jack of all trades, but a master of noneWhen Foden has actually been playing this season, he never appears to have a set position on the pitch, with Guardiola preferring his attackers to be able to interchange in the final third.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES That didn’t seem to affect the player in the early stages of the campaign, emerging as one of City’s most dangerous players, other than Erling Haaland, obviously, but his contributions have dried up.He is more than capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or occupying the flanks, but the ever-changing positions from game to game are likely to mess with his consistency on the pitch.There were times before Christmas when Phil Foden appeared to be returning to something approaching his best form.But he has barely featured for Manchester City this calendar year and, when he has, he has visibly struggled at times.His toils were exposed against Nottingham… pic.twitter.com/dZZuDa9334— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) March 6, 2026 View Tweet The likes of Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki and Jeremy Doku look far more comfortable when shifting positions, even during games, and that has given them the edge of the England international.Pep Guardiola needs to trust that the Man City star can reignite his formIt is always concerning when Foden loses his place in the team, and even more worrying when he fails to get off the bench in some of Man City’s most important games of the season.Guardiola’s knowledge and experience shouldn’t be questioned, based purely on what he’s managed to win at multiple clubs, but supporters are beginning to wonder exactly what is happening with Foden.Football Insider understands that Foden has stalled contract talks due to frustration over his game time, and that will be the most concerning news of all surrounding the academy graduate’s future.The manager clearly has his tactics at the Etihad, and right now, they don’t contain Foden. Once he returns to form, which he inevitably will, that can change.For now, though, Guardiola continues to keep Foden on the bench, not allowing the player time in one position, which enforces the cycle of poor form that the attacking midfielder just can’t seem to break.
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