Several years ago, a moment that would prove pivotal in shaping Phil Foden’s standing within Manchester City’s squad occurred. The English midfielder, then only 20, confronted his boss, Pep Guardiola, during a heated Champions League tie against Porto.
Guardiola, famed for his perfectionism, places high demands on his players. While not every individual has the courage to challenge the Manchester City coach, Foden did just that.
Details, revealed by The Telegraph, recount a dramatic event during a match against Porto. Foden didn’t follow Guardiola’s instructions for a free-kick, triggering the coach’s ire. In a moment of heated frustration, Guardiola could be heard screaming, “F****** hell Phil! F****** hell! You haven’t done what I said!”
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Despite his mercurial temperament, which some argue contributes to his status as one of his generation’s elite coaches, this reaction was unusually severe. Foden was visibly irate. After the match, he left the field ahead of his teammates, and his fury didn’t simmer down even after a cooling shower.
In the dressing room, Foden confronted Guardiola in front of the entire team. “Don’t ever do that to me again!” he demanded, “You wouldn’t do that to other players.”
Rather than sparking dissent or disciplinarian action, this incident had an unexpected outcome. Guardiola, recognising his mistake, apologised to Foden, even addressing the incident in front of the team the following day to reiterate his regret. The coach also paid a fine into the player’s kitty.
Guardiola reportedly admired Foden’s display of assertiveness, seeing it as a sign of personality in a young player – a trait he values highly. This event marked a turning point in Foden’s career, as he began to take on a more prominent role within both the club and the national team.
Foden’s playing time for City and England had decreased last season, with him not starting a Premier League match for a two-month stretch between early March and May. But the departure of Ilkay Gundogan suggests a potential shift in Foden’s role in the coming season.
When asked about moving into central midfield, Foden said, “It’s a role where there’s a lot more to my game…I’d be able to show people a lot more of what I can do. I’d be on the ball more, always involved. I think there’s a lot more responsibility in that role.”
This confrontation with Guardiola, rather than hindering Foden’s progression, appears to have accelerated his ascent. The coming season may well showcase Foden in a new role, adding another chapter to his already eventful career.
