Phil Foden has admitted he has endured ‘one of the lowest parts’ of his career this season, but is confident that he and his Manchester City teammates can kick on after securing a place in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Foden put in a Player of the Match performance against Bristol City on Tuesday night, scoring two goals to help City to a 3-0 win at Ashton Gate.
Coming off the back of a superb team performance against Bournemouth on Saturday, City had to work hard against a Championship side that was undefeated in 12 games.
Foden opened the scoring in the first half when he tapped home Riyad Mahrez’ low cross at the back post, and he doubled the advantage when he swept home 15 minutes before full-time.
Goals aside, the 22-year-old looked full of energy and sharp, particularly when it came to his ball control. It was a welcome sight given the struggles Foden has endured this season, something he spoke about after the match.
Before Tuesday night Foden had started just five of City’s outings since the World Cup, but when asked by ITV Sport how he was feeling, he spoke like a man who had emerged stronger from a period of adversity.
What did Foden say?
“I feel much better in my feet – it’s not easy sometimes when you play with discomfort in your feet,” Foden said.
“I’m feeling 100% fit now and comfortable. Hopefully I can come back into the City team and help them as much as possible.
“It’s been one of the lowest parts of my career but everyone goes through them and it’s [about] how you react.”
When asked why it had been such a low period in his career, Foden said: “Discomfort in my feet, not playing as much. I love to play football and when I don’t play I’m a bit frustrated.”
City haven’t won the FA Cup since 2019, but Foden believes City are now the right shape to try and end the drought.
“We haven’t won the FA Cup for a while. It’s something we’ve been speaking about, we want to go far and try and win it.
“The last few games have been brilliant, we look like we’re making a step forward. Hopefully we can keep up this form now and finish the season strong.”
City will find out who they will face in the quarter-final when the draw takes place on Wednesday evening. The ties will be scheduled for the weekend of 18/19 March.
