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Pep Guardiola has announced that Phil Foden is "back" and primed to spearhead Manchester City's quest for trophies this season. The Spanish manager also revealed he is 'desperate' to take on Liverpool at the Etihad this Sunday.
Foden was the star of the show during City's commanding 4-1 Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening, netting twice to claim his maiden European strikes of the campaign and effectively doubling his overall goal tally across all competitions. City now faces Liverpool at the Etihad on Sunday, and Guardiola could be without Rodri, who has suffered an injury.
Erling Haaland predictably found the net against his former employers whilst Rayan Cherki contributed a late fourth goal after Waldemar Anton's effort had briefly given Dortmund hope of a comeback. However, the evening belonged entirely to Foden and his pair of brilliantly-executed finishes.
The homegrown City talent endured a difficult previous campaign, speaking openly about personal challenges and fitness problems that hampered his performances, but with this weekend's crucial Premier League clash against Liverpool looming, all indications suggest the 25 year old has rediscovered the form that made him the standout performer during City's title-winning 2023/24 season.
"Phil is back," Guardiola declared. "How many times have we seen Phil score these type of goals? We miss this a lot last season but this season I think he is going to help us a lot.", reports the Liverpool Echo.
"He is confident to score these goals, not shooting strong but just to put the ball close to the post. It's like a pass to the net. Phil is fantastic at that...
"This season he is back. Not just Phil, all of us we struggled (last season). When Phil is in that level playing between the lines, in the pockets and his first touch, his turn and then after his generosity to run and fight is top class.
"When Phil is happy with love and joy, you don't have to say much. He's a special player but we need his goals and hopefully today was the first step to do it.
"It's important to have him for the big, big match on Sunday (against Liverpool)."
The matter now centres on whether Thomas Tuchel has witnessed sufficient evidence to recall Foden to the England setup, having omitted him from the previous two squads. The German boss will reveal his next selection on Friday.
"Thomas is so smart and wise and knows exactly what he needs," Guardiola added. "I think Thomas knows perfectly Phil and Phil is playing better and better...England is lucky to have many players in this position and that's what he had to push and be better and say, 'I'm going to show how good I am'."
City's victory elevated them to fourth place in the Champions League table with 10 points from four matches, facing an almost three-week interval before their next fixture at home to Bayer Leverkusen on November 25. Focus now shifts to Sunday's clash with Premier League champions Liverpool.
Guardiola revealed he dedicated his Tuesday evening to analysing Arne Slot's team defeating Real Madrid 1-0 and emphasised his full understanding of the test ahead despite their recent stumble. "Of course it surprised me a lot that they lost a lot of games but sometimes it's about momentum," Guardiola stated.
"All the clubs are there except Arsenal who are more consistent than anyone.
"But the season is long so we try to be there and see what happens. To be honest I'm so excited and happy to prepare for Sunday.
"I'm desperate to play against Liverpool and we'll see what happens."
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