Phil Foden explains reason behind lack of Man City game time | OneFootball

Manchester City star Phil Foden has admitted he has struggled with fatigue at the start of the season, having been sparingly used by manager Pep Guardiola so far.

The England international was arguably the Cityzens' most important player during their successful Premier League title defence in 2023/24, collecting a host of individual awards as his side saw off competition at the top of the table from Arsenal and Liverpool.

However, his start against Sparta Prague in the Champions League on Wednesday was just his fourth for City in all competitions this term. Foden featured prominently as England reached the Euro 2024 final and admitted after the 5-0 midweek win he has needed time to get back to full fitness.

"Last year there were so many games," Foden said. "I put everything I could into it. I came back a little bit fatigued, which is normal. Rodri came back like that as well, a few players.

"It's normal how many games we play - you have to burnout at some point. I'm making steps in the right direction and trying to get back to my best.

Foden struck early against Sparta / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

"I had a bit of fatigue coming back from last year, a bit of illness.

"A few niggles as well. A few things added together. But if you speak to any player they've all been through it, the ups and downs of football. It was just a bump in the road if you like, I'm delighted I'm back and enjoying my football."

Foden put City into an early lead with a third-minute effort against Sparta before Erling Haaland struck twice alongside goals from John Stones and Matheus Nunes.

They are now third in the newly reformatted Champions League table after two wins and a draw, with only English rivals Aston Villa and Liverpool ahead of them. The latest victory also helped City break a historic record previously held by local foes Manchester United for 15 years.