Phil Foden insists there is ‘no secret’ to being selected by Pep Guardiola for Manchester City | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Phil Foden has admitted that there is simply ‘no secret’ to being selected by Pep Guardiola on a matchday, speaking during a new interview.

The City academy graduate has been on the periphery of the starting line-ups in recent weeks, and has struggled with a foot problem that kept him out of a number of matches, but is now ready and raring to go ahead of another busy schedule.

While Jack Grealish, Riyad Mahrez, and Julian Alvarez have often been selected ahead of Phil Foden by Pep Guardiola, the England international insists that there is nothing more that players can do other than work hard to impress the manager.

Foden has piled on the praise for two academy stars, who have disturbed the first-team squad hierarchy with their excellence in recent weeks, as Rico Lewis has largely made the right-back role his own, and Cole Palmer has gone from strength to strength across midfield and the forward line this season.

“I am just all for the team. I just want to work hard in every opportunity that I get and it is all about just helping the team,” Foden insists.

“The manager is going to mix the team up sometimes, but you have always just got to be ready to try and help when you are called upon. There is no secret. I think you don’t just get into the City team without deserving it with Pep (Guardiola). You have to show something, and you have to work hard in training.”

Foden continued as he pointed towards the club’s younger stars as prime examples of working hard to reap rewards, “The likes of Rico (Lewis) and Cole (Palmer), they have worked extremely hard to get where they are now and to get the rewards they are getting.”

“It is really nice to see because I know how they feel, I have been in their shoes before. It is nice for me to see Academy players alongside me in the first team.”

“I have been through it before, and I understand the situation they are in. Hopefully when I speak to them, I can give them the right advice. In this place it is all about working hard and you will get your rewards.”

Phil Foden returned to training following a minor foot problem this week, putting himself in contention for involvement in Manchester City’s next Premier League game, as they travel to face Tottenham on Sunday afternoon.

City currently sit five points behind Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table, with Mikel Arteta’s side having a game in hand on Pep Guardiola and his players, with Etihad Stadium and Emirates Stadium meetings still to come for those teams in the top-flight.

Manchester City secured what could perhaps be an early psychological advantage over their title challengers last week, as a single Nathan Ake goal booked a place in the FA Cup fifth round in a 1-0 win over the Gunners.