Phil Foden Insists Man City Team-Mates ‘Don’t Understand’ After Dressing Room Admission

In the high-octane world of Premier League football, where players are constantly under pressure to perform, Manchester City’s Phil Foden has found an unconventional escape—fishing. The 24-year-old midfielder, widely regarded as one of England’s finest talents, has revealed how his peaceful pastime has become an essential retreat from the relentless demands of professional football. However, despite its significance in his life, Foden admits that his teammates at the Etihad Stadium struggle to understand his love for the sport.

Foden’s passion for fishing stems from his childhood, a tradition passed down to him by his father, Phil Snr. What started as a simple bonding activity between father and son has transformed into a lifelong passion, providing Foden with a crucial sanctuary away from the pressures of elite football. In a game where every move is scrutinized and every performance dissected, the serenity of fishing offers him a rare moment of solitude and peace.

The demands of modern football have never been greater. With a relentless fixture schedule, intense media scrutiny, and ever-growing expectations from fans, players often struggle to find ways to manage stress. For Foden, fishing has become a personal antidote to these pressures. However, within the Manchester City dressing room, his hobby is met with playful banter and lighthearted teasing.

During an interview with former Manchester United and Wrexham goalkeeper Ben Foster for Amazon Prime Video, Foden revealed that none of his City teammates have joined him on a fishing trip. “None of them have been fishing with me,” he admitted, though he noted that defender John Stones has shown some interest. Despite the teasing, Foden remains unbothered, knowing that they simply “don’t understand” his deep connection to the sport.

The timing of Foden’s fishing revelations is particularly intriguing given Manchester City’s current standing in the Premier League. Sitting fourth in the table and trailing leaders Liverpool by 16 points, the pressure is mounting on Pep Guardiola’s squad. In such testing times, Foden finds solace in his hobby, using it as a mental reset to stay focused and energized for the challenges ahead.

“I just love the peace and quiet. There’s something about it, and it’s my getaway,” Foden explained to Foster. “After a bad game, I like to go fishing, switch my phone off, and not read too much. Then when I go back and train, it’s just like a reset.”

Foden’s appreciation for fishing has taken on even greater significance following a grueling season that left him mentally and physically drained. Having played over 50 games for Manchester City across all competitions last season, followed by all seven of England’s Euro 2024 matches, the toll on his body and mind was immense.

The demands of such a rigorous schedule, combined with criticism over his performances for England—where he failed to register a goal or an assist while being played out of position—led to what Foden describes as the lowest point of his career. The joy he once felt for football began to wane, an alarming reality for a player known for his enthusiasm and love for the game.

“I definitely had burnout after all the games I played because I’m a player who gives 100 percent in training every day,” Foden revealed. “Add all the traveling on as well, and it’s just an overload. You feel absolutely knackered and feel like your brain’s not working.”

In this context, fishing has become more than just a hobby for Foden—it has been a crucial tool in helping him rediscover his passion for football. The ability to disconnect from the sport, even for a short while, has allowed him to return with renewed energy and focus. The results have been evident on the pitch, with Foden scoring six goals in January alone, signaling a strong return to form.

“It’s coming from feeling better in my body and my mind,” Foden explained regarding his resurgence. “I’m happy now that I’ve got back to my level from last year a bit in terms of scoring goals in the last month.”

His story sheds light on a rarely discussed aspect of professional sports—the necessity for players to find personal escapes that allow them to decompress. While some of his teammates might unwind by playing video games or engaging in other leisure activities, Foden has found his solace in nature, proving that there is no universal solution to managing the pressures of elite competition.

Foden’s emphasis on the importance of having “something, whatever it is, to switch off” reflects a broader movement in professional football towards prioritizing mental health. While his fishing obsession may be a source of amusement in the City dressing room, it underscores the growing understanding that mental recovery is just as vital as physical recovery in today’s game.

The evolution of modern football has placed immense demands on players, from tactical complexities to increased media scrutiny. Social media has only intensified this pressure, with players under constant observation from fans and pundits alike. For young players like Foden, who have grown up in this hyper-connected era, finding healthy ways to cope is crucial for sustaining long-term success.

His willingness to be open about his struggles and how he manages them marks a cultural shift in football. In previous generations, players may have felt compelled to maintain a tough exterior, reluctant to share their personal challenges. Today, however, players like Foden are breaking down those barriers, fostering a more open and understanding environment.

Interestingly, Foden’s influence may be spreading within the City squad. John Stones’ curiosity about fishing suggests that Foden’s approach to stress management is resonating with some of his teammates. While not everyone may take to the sport, the acknowledgment that different players require different coping mechanisms is a step in the right direction.

As Manchester City continues its pursuit of silverware, Foden’s ability to maintain his mental and physical freshness could prove invaluable. With the club facing crucial fixtures in both domestic and European competitions, finding ways to stay sharp will be key to their success. If fishing continues to provide Foden with the clarity and balance he needs, it may well become an even greater asset in his career.

Ultimately, Foden’s story serves as a reminder that success in professional sports extends beyond the pitch. In an age where athletes are under more scrutiny than ever, his example highlights the importance of self-care and finding personal outlets to manage stress. His fishing trips, while seemingly unrelated to football, are proving to be an essential ingredient in his sustained excellence.

As the pressures of modern football continue to grow, Foden’s approach to mental recovery could become a model for others to follow. His journey illustrates that sometimes, the best solutions to high-pressure challenges can be found in the simplest of pastimes. While his teammates may joke about his fishing obsession, the results on the pitch speak for themselves—proving that, sometimes, a quiet day by the water can be just as valuable as a hard day’s training.