Pep Guardiola says Manchester City need Phil Foden at his best

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola said the club needs attacking midfielder Phil Foden at his previous best in the ongoing 2025-26 season. Foden could not deliver in the last edition of the Premier League because of injuries and form.

The 25-year-old scored the opening goal with a header in the City’s derby win over Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, scoring for the seventh time in his career against the Red Devils.

Foden was also involved in City’s second goal, which was scored by Erling Haaland. Meanwhile, Foden had scored 27 goals in all competitions in 2023-24 but had failed to replicate the same performance in the previous season.

“We missed him so much last season,” Guardiola said.

“We need him so much. We cannot forget two seasons ago when we won the last game against West Ham [to win the title] he was the most important player of the Premier League.

“He was maybe the key player to win that league. Last season for injuries, for other reasons he could not be with us.

“Hopefully step by step he can get his best. I am pretty sure a game like today against United is a special game for him because he is an incredible Manchester City supporter. I’m sure he’s going to have the best feeling.”

City has won two and lost as many in the ongoing Premier League season and the Spaniard said they would look to build on the momentum.

“It’s just one game,” Guardiola said.

“We have to prove. But it’s true that winning games, especially in the derby, and seeing the faces of all the fans — all the joy and all the happiness after the game — is always better.

“It’s one game, but it’s important, after two defeats, to do it at home against United. The spirit was really good.”

Manchester City will begin their UEFA Champions League campaign against Napoli at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.