Phil Foden has opened up about the mental and physical challenges he has faced during the current season, revealing that off-field issues and an ankle injury have significantly impacted his performance. The Manchester City forward, who had an outstanding previous campaign with a career-best 27 goals and multiple player of the year awards, has struggled to replicate that form. This season, he has managed just 10 goals and has not found the net since January. His role in recent games has also diminished, highlighted by his late substitute appearance in Manchester City’s 1-0 FA Cup final loss to Crystal Palace.
Foden’s difficulties stem in part from an ankle ligament injury sustained in early April during a match against Manchester United. The injury, caused by a tackle, forced him off the field midway through the game and has yet to fully heal. Despite ongoing pain, he has continued to play, which has made it harder for him to regain top form.
“It’s been difficult,” Foden admitted. “I picked up an ankle injury against United and it took time to heal before I could push myself back in training. A lot of people don’t know what football players have to go through and play with. I’ve had a lot of ankle pain and played with it in the last couple of months.”
Beyond the physical strain, Foden disclosed that he has also been grappling with mental pressures unrelated to football. These off-pitch challenges have affected his focus and performance, making this season more frustrating than most.
“It’s been a frustrating season. I’ve had a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally. Sometimes there’s things in life bigger than football. This season I’ve struggled a little bit,” he said. Despite these setbacks, Foden remains confident about his abilities and ambitions, emphasizing his determination to return stronger.
“Hopefully come next year I can get my head mentally right, get back where I left the season before because I know what I’m capable of doing and the quality I have.”
Foden praised the support he has received from Manchester City throughout his difficult period, highlighting the importance of the club’s backing.
“Definitely, the club has been so supportive. I can’t thank them enough. I know if everything was OK [off the pitch] I’d definitely be better on the field. Sometimes things happen and you have to deal with it and move on. Now it’s about improving and getting back to my best. I know my standards and what I can reach.”
Looking ahead, Foden is preparing for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, which will take place in June. The tournament presents a new challenge for the team, and while the squad is mentally fatigued after a long season, Foden stressed the importance of taking the competition seriously.
“It’s obviously difficult because the lads are mentally drained from this season,” he said. “I believe everyone needs the right time to recover. There will be this competition. It’s going to be a funny one: some clubs will take it more seriously than others but I know we’ll definitely take it seriously.”
Though unfamiliar with the tournament’s format, Foden sees the Club World Cup as an opportunity to regain momentum for the next season.
“It’s going to be something new, I don’t know much about it; I’ve left it in the back of my head until the season’s finished. It will be somewhere I look at to get going for next season.”
Regarding his injury recovery, Foden acknowledged that his ankle still requires rest and proper healing time, which he has not yet been able to take.
“You need time for it to heal. I love to come back on the football pitch as soon as possible. All I can see is I’m feeling a lot better now and can really push on with it.”
However, the timing is complicated by upcoming international commitments early next month. Foden and his club will need to carefully consider whether it’s best for him to rest fully to allow his ankle to recover, even if that means missing some playing time.
“It’s a difficult situation with the internationals right around the corner. It’s something we have to speak about with the club and national team to see if it’s maybe better to rest and get my ankle fully 100% back.”
For now, Foden is frustrated by having to play through persistent niggles, longing for a few weeks without competitive football to fully heal.
“I just need a few weeks off without playing football and I can’t get it at the moment. It’s a bit frustrating to play with niggles like this.”
Despite the struggles, Foden remains determined to overcome his challenges, both mental and physical, and return to the level of performance that made him one of football’s brightest talents.
