Pep Guardiola issues Phil Foden response after Man City star’s mental health admission

Pep Guardiola has spoken out in support of Manchester City’s Phil Foden after the midfielder revealed his struggles with mental health and injury this season. The City boss has assured the 24-year-old that the club will do everything possible to help him recover both physically and mentally.

Foden, who has endured a difficult campaign plagued by an ankle injury and mental burnout, was left out of the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Andorra and the friendly against Senegal. The former FWA Footballer of the Year had personally reached out to England manager Thomas Tuchel requesting a break.

Despite the challenges, Guardiola confirmed that Foden remains a vital part of City’s plans. He has been named in the squad for the final Premier League match at Fulham—a game City must avoid defeat in to secure Champions League qualification—and is set to travel to the Club World Cup in the United States next month.

“Phil is family for us,” Guardiola said. “He came up through the academy and has become a star here. We want to help him most importantly. He needs rest and that will happen after Sunday.”

The City manager emphasized that Foden’s wellbeing is the priority, saying: “I don’t care about his performances right now. I want him to feel good and everything else will come back naturally.”

Manchester City recently climbed to third place in the Premier League after a win against Bournemouth. Thanks to a superior goal difference, a draw against Fulham at Craven Cottage should be enough to guarantee Champions League football for next season.

Guardiola, who joked after the Bournemouth win that he might quit if the club builds a bigger squad to deal with injuries, clarified his remarks. “I was laughing. I’m not going anywhere. But I do want every player ready to compete. Injuries have cost us dearly, and that’s not healthy.”

He added: “We expect next season to be different. Having four or five players sidelined in the last month is a big problem—not just for me but for the club as a whole. We are working on finding the best way forward.”

The manager described the upcoming fixture at Fulham as “the biggest game of the season,” highlighting the significance of Champions League qualification for the club’s future.

“Fulham are an exceptional team. It will be a tough match, but if we don’t get the result, I will talk about what happens next,” Guardiola warned. “We also have to consider what it means for us if we make the Champions League.”

Foden’s mental health revelation has sparked widespread support across the football community. Guardiola praised his honesty and bravery in opening up about the pressures faced by professional athletes.

“It’s important to recognize that mental health is as crucial as physical health,” Guardiola explained. “Phil showed great courage, and we all want to back him fully.”

The manager confirmed Foden’s inclusion in the upcoming Club World Cup squad as part of City’s long-term plan to reintegrate him at full strength.

City’s season has been marred by a series of injuries to key players, impacting their campaign in domestic and European competitions. Guardiola expressed confidence that lessons learned this year will lead to better squad management moving forward.

“We have to be smarter with how we manage players’ fitness and mental wellbeing,” he said. “Next season, we aim to reduce injuries and keep our squad competitive at all levels.”

With the final matchday looming, the pressure is mounting on City to secure a top-four finish. Guardiola insists his focus remains on supporting his players through this crucial period.

“At the end of the day, football is a team sport, but taking care of each individual is what matters most,” he concluded. “Phil will come back stronger, and we are here to help him every step of the way.”