Pep Guardiola has instructed Phil Foden to use Manchester City teammate Bernardo Silva as a role model in his quest to rediscover top form. Foden recently signed a new four-year contract with his boyhood club but has been struggling to secure regular starts as City pursue a domestic Treble.
Foden's Form and World Cup Hopes
The 25-year-old showed signs of improvement during Monday's match against Everton, though his place in Thomas Tuchel's summer World Cup squad remains uncertain. Guardiola has urged Foden to recapture the free-spirited style that once made him a Premier League sensation.
Guardiola's Advice
“I use Bernardo as an example because he represents stability in terms of mentality,” Guardiola said. “Bernardo has incredible self-confidence, but even he struggled in his third season. He came back. Phil sometimes has those periods. I always told him, ‘Never forget who you are as a footballer—your skills, your potential.’ Just get back to who you are.”
Guardiola added: “Recover that spirit, the joy of being a football player. Not because of a contract, duties, or needing to win a game. Forget all that. It’s just the pleasure of playing football, like when you were a little boy in the streets or at school. When that happens, he’ll explode again.”
Foden has recorded 10 goals and five assists across all competitions this season but has started only two league games since mid-January. Guardiola revealed the private conversations aimed at helping Foden emerge from his slump.
“We’ve talked about it and said, ‘Phil, who are you as a player? What is your biggest quality?’ It’s getting the ball, turning, and going—attacking the box. Don’t lose that. He’s not a player to control the game. His quality is to be a machine, attacking with assists and goals. Just feel free. It’s not about laziness, lack of work ethic, or not caring. It’s the opposite. This guy loves it.”
Off-Pitch Changes
Foden has restructured his team, hiring super-agent Rafaela Pimenta to negotiate his new contract, while Jonny Hatt manages other off-field matters. Despite improved organization behind the scenes, Guardiola insists the midfielder’s improvement depends on himself.
“I said I can help, and many people can help, but just visualize that the biggest smile on your face comes from the joy of playing—because you’re the one who plays,” Guardiola concluded.
