LOCKER ROOM TENSIONS: Haaland Slams Foden for Selfish Play – Young Star Fires Back with Shocking Response

The mood inside Manchester City’s dressing room is anything but celebratory despite their recent 2-0 win over Moroccan giants Wydad AC in the FIFA Club World Cup. What was supposed to be a victorious night for the European champions quickly descended into internal turmoil, as Erling Haaland publicly criticized teammate Phil Foden for what he called “selfish play” during the match.

The Norwegian striker, known for his ruthlessness in front of goal and composed demeanor, appeared visibly frustrated during his post-match comments. His words shocked the press and fans alike, revealing an unexpected crack in City’s usually harmonious locker room.

“Yes, he scored — but that was just the result of selfishness,” Haaland said, referring to Foden’s second-half goal that helped seal the win. “We’re a team, not a highlight reel. There were clearer options available. He should’ve passed. That’s not how we operate at Manchester City if we want to keep winning.”

This unfiltered outburst quickly made headlines. Haaland, who has often been the focal point of City’s attacking plays, rarely speaks out against his teammates. But this time, the striker couldn’t hide his frustration with Foden’s individualistic approach, particularly in a match where teamwork should have taken precedence.

Sources close to the squad noted that Haaland had expressed his displeasure during the match itself, waving his arms and shouting during missed chances where Foden could have squared the ball to him or others in better scoring positions.

Phil Foden, often described as humble and reserved, surprised everyone when he didn’t remain silent. Hours after Haaland’s comments went viral, the English midfielder clapped back with a statement that was as bold as it was defiant.

“I respect Erling, but I’m not just here to feed him the ball,” Foden told a media outlet. “I’m a Manchester City player too. I saw my chance, I took it, and I scored. That wasn’t selfishness — that was instinct. That’s what we’re trained to do.”

Foden didn’t stop there. He continued by pointing out the depth of talent within the squad and dismissed any narrative that painted him as a subordinate to Haaland.

“This team isn’t built around one man,” he added. “I’ve worked hard to get to this level, and when I step onto the pitch, I do it for the badge, for the fans, and for myself. If that means taking a shot, I’ll take it. I’m not going to second-guess myself because someone else wanted the ball.”

The fallout has since spiraled across social media, with fans splitting into two camps — some backing Haaland’s desire for team-oriented football, and others praising Foden’s confidence and willingness to step up under pressure.

Caught in the middle of this bubbling feud is manager Pep Guardiola. Known for his ability to manage superstar egos, Guardiola attempted to downplay the drama in his post-match press conference. But his vague response didn’t do much to calm the speculation.

“Emotions run high, especially in big matches,” Guardiola said. “Both are passionate and want to win. We’ll handle this internally, as we always do.”

Despite his calm tone, reports from inside the camp suggest this is not the first time friction has surfaced between Haaland and Foden. As both young stars continue to rise and vie for leadership roles in City’s attack, minor tensions have occasionally flared — but this is the first time it’s reached the public in such a dramatic fashion.

Veteran players like Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva are reportedly urging both stars to resolve their differences quickly to prevent division within the team. The chemistry that propelled City to treble-winning glory last season could unravel if such ego clashes are left unchecked.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Manchester City. With more Club World Cup matches ahead and the Premier League title race intensifying, Guardiola needs his players unified more than ever. Any lingering animosity could undermine their ambitions on both domestic and international fronts.

In their next fixture, all eyes will be on Guardiola’s lineup. Will he start both Haaland and Foden, or will he bench one of them to send a message? Fans will also be closely observing body language on the pitch — high-fives, passes, celebrations — or lack thereof.

Football is filled with moments of drama, but what sets champions apart is how they deal with adversity. For City, this internal clash could either become a defining moment of growth or the beginning of a divide that threatens their season.

As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: This story is far from over. Haaland and Foden are not just players — they are symbols of City’s future. But if they can’t find common ground, that future may look a lot more complicated.

For now, fans are left wondering — will City’s brilliance shine even brighter after this storm, or is the harmony that brought them glory beginning to fade?