“It has been strange” – Phil Foden explains Manchester City’s Premier League and Champions League struggles | OneFootball

Phil Foden has reflected candidly on Manchester City’s struggles this season in a new interview with British GQ.

The 24-year-old will be back with his boyhood club this weekend to face Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-final after returning from the first England camp held by newly-appointed manager Thomas Tuchel.

The PFA Players’ Player of the Year from the 2023-24 campaign, Foden has this term failed to hit the heights he soared en route to Manchester City claiming their fourth consecutive Premier League title last season.

It has to be said that 10 goals and six assists in 38 games across all competitions does represent a very decent output for Foden, who has shown glimpses of his imperious best since the turn of the year.

City are fighting for UEFA Champions League qualification for next season and have nine league games left in their bid to finish in the top four – after being knocked out in the Round of 16 stage of this season’s competition by Real Madrid in February.

“Being in this position, I’ve not really been used to it so it’s just something you’ve got to take on the chin,” Foden said on Manchester City’s underwhelming 2024-25 season in an interview with British GQ magazine.

“Unfortunately, it’s just one of those seasons. We can still finish it off strong and we’ve just got to remain positive and trust in everything that we’ve done and stick together.”

The FA Cup remains Manchester City’s sole shot at winning silverware this season and Pep Guardiola will be desperate to finish a disappointing season – albeit by his side’s own standards – on a high by also securing a top four Premier League finish.

Foden added: “You can’t always be at the top and be the best. There are ups and downs in football, it’s just about reacting and thinking about the next game.

“It has been strange, because now I’m only playing once a week (after Manchester City’s Champions League exit) – I’m not used to having more time on my hands.”