Foden disagrees with Guardiola's 'world class' claim and sets Man City target
Phil Foden doesn’t agree with Pep Guardiola's claim that he should now be considered world class.
The Manchester City midfielder is in line to make his 100th Premier League start in the derby - and is averaging one trophy for every 16 of the 256 games he has played for his boyhood club over the past six years.
Guardiola believes the 23-year-old is now one of the best in the game after excelling in a more central role - but Foden insists he still has more to do.
Foden said: “I wouldn’t say world class yet. I think I’ve got the potential to be, but to hear that from the manager is special for me. I still want to keep improving and try to be an even better player. To do it for a number of years - that’s when you get world-class status.
“I have to do it consistently in the biggest games and biggest occasions. It’s the most consistent (run of) games that I’ve played. I’ve been playing in a new position as well - more inside and more midfield and I’m enjoying it.
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“I’m enjoying the season and I’m in good form at the moment, so I want to keep that up. Sometimes it just clicks and happens - you get a run of games. There’s nothing more to it.
“I think the manager tactically changes every game, depending on the opponent. For me, it’s given me a lot more freedom to pick up the ball a lot more and do a lot more things. I’ve enjoyed it every time I play there.”
Foden scored a hat-trick in the corresponding fixture last season and was also on target when City beat United at Old Trafford in October. The Stockport-born playmaker understands the importance of local bragging rights - but he is also looking at the bigger picture as he goes in search of his sixth title medal.
Foden has enjoyed another stunning season with Man CityFoden said: “I know what it’s about, I know how the fans feel. It’s a big occasion and I’m happy that I’m part of it. I feel there’s a little bit more pressure on the game because it’s the one that everyone cares about.
“It’s the one fans want to win desperately. Just to win - it doesn’t matter how. Just to win the game is important for us and the season. The team knows that we have to win the games, or we are not going to win anything. That’s what it is. There’s nothing more to it.
“We’ve shown it in the past and we’ve done it on a few occasions. Hopefully, we can do it again this season. It’s the biggest month. It’s where the titles are going to be decided, I think.”
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