London (AFP) – After England manager Gareth Southgate claimed the forward couldn’t play a central role for his nation, Pep Guardiola insisted Phil Foden can play in a variety of attacking positions for Manchester City.
When asked why he appeared hesitant to use Foden in the focal points of his attack, Southgate responded earlier this week that people should “speak to Pep.”.
According to Southgate, it was challenging to use Foden, 23, as a center in international matches because he prefers to play on the flanks for City.
Despite City’s historic run to the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup titles last season, Foden occasionally played below par.
When asked about Foden’s role for his team ahead of the treble winners’ trip to West Ham this weekend, City manager Guardiola expressed support for his player.
“Gareth and I have a wonderful relationship. It appears that I disagree with him, but I firmly concur with him,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.
“Playing outside is a completely different role, but he knows, and I know, that Phil can play in every position up front—in the middle, outside on the right, left, and in the pockets.
“However, as Gareth has already mentioned, you have another duty in the pockets, especially when the ball is not involved. Sometimes it’s not necessary to be incredibly intelligent to anticipate every move.
However, Phil’s ability to play in all five positions up front without difficulty is crucial, and this is a huge advantage for him.
“I watched the exhibition game against Scotland.
He initially moved and spent the majority of the time inside after beginning to play in the right.
The players then move to the right, left, inside, and outside.
In the end, it’s not a big deal.”.
After being sidelined for two games while recuperating from a back operation in Spain, Guardiola will take the helm for the West Ham match.
As his assistant Juanma Lillo oversaw victories over Fulham and Sheffield United, table-toppers City continued to defend their title with a perfect record.
“Three weeks after surgery, I’m improving.
Every week should get better, I believe, because the doctor did a good job, Guardiola said.
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