Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has rejected personal praise over Phil Foden’s development after the England international won the Football Writers’ Association Footballer Of The Year Award.
According to the manager, the progression of each player is determined by their individual commitment. He emphasized that the drive to excel, the dedication to continual improvement, and the attention to detail in football are the hallmark of a skilled player.
“Thank you for giving me credit but the work ethic and mentality – we as managers can suggest something but it belongs to them,” Pep Guardiola said during his pre-match conference on Friday.
Pep Guardiola has overseen the development of many promising academic players since his arrival at Manchester City. While he successfully promoted many young talents to the senior team, a number of them submitted transfer requests due to insufficient playing opportunities.
Cole Palmer made the decision to leave to leave the Sky Blues last summer, following in the footsteps of renowned players such as Jadon Sancho and Brahim Diaz, who also sought opportunities for playing time at different clubs.
“Look at Cole Palmer,” Guardiola said. “What a development. I didn’t give him the minutes. The talent is there. It belongs absolutely to the players and what they do every single game.
“Depends on him, simple as that. I promise you. It depends on him. Mentality, want more, do it again, do it again, be better in this department, I will live 24 hours for my game and for my profession. It depends on him. Like all the players,” Guardiola explained.
Although Phil Foden was promoted to the senior team several years ago, he is currently enjoying his most outstanding season in a Manchester City jersey. Throughout this campaign, he has successfully netted 24 goals and generously assisted his teammates on 10 occasions, solidifying his position as one of the few players boasting over 30 goal and assist contributions.
Phil Foden Appreciates Pep Guardiola And Teammates After Receiving FWA Footballer Of The Year Award
While Pep Guardiola wouldn’t accept praises over Phil Foden’s development, the 23-year-old was full of praise for his manager and his teammates after being declared the winner of the FWA Footballer Of The Year.
The English national team player emphasized that his growth as an player is closely attributed to the continuous efforts of Pep and his fellow teammates to improve their skills and performance.
“I want to thank all my team-mates as well as Pep and the coaches for all the support and advice they have given me,” he said in his statement after the award.
“I strive to be the best that I can be every single day and that is all down to the way the manager and my colleagues always seek to improve and get better.”