Pep Guardiola says Phil Foden is again to his greatest kind after two targets in Manchester Metropolis’s win over Borussia Dortmund.
Metropolis had been 4-1 winners on the Etihad with Foden opening the scoring with a stunning left-footed strike from the sting of the field, earlier than rolling in a second to cap off an exquisite show.
Foden’s kind is usually the topic of curiosity after a poor 2024-25 season by his requirements however Guardiola insists the England midfielder has been again to his greatest for a while.
Chatting with TNT Sports activities, the Metropolis boss mentioned: “I might say he’s already there [back to his best form]. He doesn’t have to get nearer. He’s already there. It’s true we now have missed targets and he obtained two unbelievable targets.
“What number of instances have we seen that from Phil proper? What number of instances?The generosity with the trouble but additionally with the standard within the remaining third. We missed it rather a lot. I’m completely happy three extra gamers scored targets and never simply Erling Haaland.”
Foden was neglected of Thomas Tuchel’s most up-to-date England squad however Guardiola backed his participant to grow to be a focus for the Three Lions quickly sufficient.
“Thomas [Tuchel] is aware of completely how good Phil is and I’m positive he’ll do the most effective on your nation,” he added.
Metropolis heading in the right direction for prime eight
Metropolis are unbeaten within the Champions League up to now this season and presently occupy fourth within the standings and Guardiola is hopeful automated passage to the final 16 is inside attain after being dumped out in final yr’s knockout spherical play-off.
“Contemplating we performed two days in the past and within the Champions League Dortmund is at all times a prime facet,” Guardiola mentioned.
“Within the first Quarter-hour we didn’t know the place we had been and after that we had one or two lengthy possessions and broke the traces and will run, which was higher.
“Then for the 10-Quarter-hour after the aim we conceded it was not good as a result of they put 5, six, seven gamers up entrance.
“They linked their runners shortly however after Ruben [Dias] got here on, with 5 within the again we arrived higher down the edges and completed the sport good.
“Enormous praise, big respect for these gamers as a result of we’re in a very good place, possibly with a win towards Leverkusen and some extra we will be within the place to complete within the first eight.”
Haaland breaks one other file
Erling Haaland was heading in the right direction but once more for Metropolis towards his former membership with the striker bagging his 18th aim of the season.
The medical end additionally noticed him grow to be the primary participant to attain three consecutive Champions League targets for 3 totally different golf equipment, having carried out so whereas nonetheless at Dortmund and at RB Salzburg.
Guardiola mentioned: “I didn’t know. I actually didn’t know. Each time I come right here or to the press convention you inform me he broke a brand new file. I’m completely happy for him. He deserves it.
“The extra good gamers he has alongside him, the simpler it is going to be. That’s the case in prime golf equipment. Good gamers make the potential greater for all of us.”
