Phil Foden (25, Manchester City) has had a nightmarish season.
The United Kingdom's Evening Standard reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that "Phil Foden talked about the challenging situations he faced this season," relaying Foden's confession. Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden (24) noted, "A lot has happened outside the pitch," revealing that he has had a difficult time mentally.
Foden had a remarkable year last season, sweeping the Premier League individual awards, but this year has not been the same. After losing 1-0 to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final, he met with reporters at Wembley Stadium and said, "There has been a lot going on mentally. It has been a really frustrating season."
Foden has participated in 27 league matches this season, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists. This is a stark contrast to last season, where he scored 19 goals and provided 8 assists, accumulating a total of 27 attacking points.
He said, "Sometimes in life, bigger things than football happen. This season has been a year to fight those challenges. I want to mentally find my balance again next season. I believe I can return to the form I had last season."
Foden suffered an ankle injury during the away match at Old Trafford in April and faced abuse directed at his family from some Manchester United fans during that game. He commented, "Everyone at the club has really supported me a lot. If everything had been okay, I could have shown a better performance on the pitch. But as life goes, you just have to accept it and move forward."
He added, "It has been a difficult season. But now, things are gradually getting better. I know my standards and what I can do, so I want to regain my best form."
Foden mentioned that regarding his recovering ankle, "I have improved a lot now," while being cautious about future participation plans. He stated, "There is an England national team gathering scheduled before the Club World Cup. It might not be good to return too soon without completing my recovery."
He explained, "It is a matter that needs to be decided after consulting with the club and the national team. It is important to recover my ankle 100% perfectly. I cannot make a decision right now."
Manchester City will play their first match of the Club World Cup against Egypt's Wydad AC on June 18. Prior to that, the England team has A-match fixtures scheduled in June, including a World Cup qualifier against Andorra and a friendly against Senegal.
Amid ongoing deliberations on whether to push for participation or take a rest, Foden emphasized, "The Club World Cup is a tournament we must take seriously." He added, "I don't know how other clubs value the Club World Cup, but we are Manchester City. Of course, we will take it seriously."
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