Pep Guardiola Praises Phil Foden For Mental Health Transparency

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola praised forward Phil Foden for openly discussing his mental health struggles, which impacted his performance last season, during a pre-match news conference.

Foden revealed in May that he faced significant off-pitch mental challenges, stating "sometimes there's things in life bigger than football," after a decline in his performance from 27 goals and 13 assists the previous season to just 13 goals in 49 matches during 2024-25.

Guardiola emphasized the importance of Foden's public admission, noting how it can inspire others, and highlighted his improved demeanor in training and the locker room as signs of recovery.

Foden has shown a strong start to the current campaign with two goals and two assists in seven appearances, and his role has expanded following Kevin De Bruyne's departure, making his partnership with Erling Haaland crucial for City's attack.

Despite this improved form, Foden was omitted from Thomas Tuchel's England squad announced recently.