Phil Foden of Manchester City has acknowledged that his poor start to the current season was partly caused by his feelings of burnout at the close of the previous campaign.
On Wednesday, the midfielder scored in City’s 5-0 victory over Sparta Prague.
After the intense campaign that began in early August and ended with the Euro 2024 final in mid-July of last year, Foden says he is still coming up to speed after making just his fourth start of the season.
“Last year there were so many games,” Foden asserted.
In it, I gave it my all. I was a little worn out when I returned, which is typical. It was also how Rodri returned, a couple of players.
“The amount of games we play is reasonable; eventually, you will burn out. I’m striving to get back to my best self and am making positive efforts.”
Last season, Foden participated in 69 club and national team games. After helping City win a record-tying fourth consecutive title with 19 goals, he was crowned the Premier League’s best player. However, he has struggled to get opportunities this season and has only made one league start, in the 3-2 victory against Fulham earlier this month.
“I had a bit of fatigue coming back from last year, a bit of illness,” Foden said.
There are also some niggles. a few items combined. However, every player you talk to has experienced the highs and lows of football. I’m happy to be back and enjoying football, so it was simply a bump on the road if you will.”
A year after leaving Wolves, Matheus Nunes stated that he is now at last settling at City.
After moving for £53 million ($69 million), the midfield player was benched for the majority of the previous season. However, the 26-year-old claimed he feels more at home at the Etihad after making an immediate impression against Sparta and scored a penalty to complete the 5-0 victory.
“I feel like I have settled in the best this season,” Nunes stated.
“Don’t put too much pressure on me; I’m more at ease. I believe everyone has understood it since the beginning of the season. I really must continue working in this manner. I simply strive to give it my all whenever I am selected to do so.”