Phil Foden Reveals the Game-Changing Tactical Shift That Transformed Man City's Season
Following a challenging 2024–25 campaign, Phil Foden has acknowledged that Manchester City "required" fresh signings this summer to construct a squad capable of securing major trophies.
The Citizens transitioned from claiming four straight Premier League crowns to concluding 13 points adrift of title winners Liverpool in 2024–25. Pep Guardiola's team endured more domestic defeats in the previous season than during their prior two Premier League seasons combined, leading the organization to initiate a reconstruction.
Guardiola approved the acquisition of six new talents during the summer window, featuring Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Aït-Nouri, Rayan Cherki and James Trafford, investing £153.4 million ($204 million).
Foden, who featured alongside several new arrivals during this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, has endorsed City's recent transformation.
"There always comes a moment when any organization must introduce fresh talent and revitalize the setup, and we have accomplished that," Foden told reporters at Man City's public training session.
"This can only benefit us since the talents we have recruited are exceptional quality and integrate seamlessly into the squad," he added. "They provide us with elements we require more of, so we are present to assist and we now possess an excellent roster. I believe everyone desires to compensate for the previous campaign."
Abdukodir Khusanov, Omar Marmoush, Nico González, Vitor Reis, Christian McFarlane and Juma Bah also joined Manchester during the winter window, elevating City's complete squad overhaul cost near £300 million ($348.8 million).
Nevertheless, the Sky Blues struggled in the United States this summer, exiting the expanded Club World Cup during the round of 16 against Al Hilal. Without club icons Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker to guide Man City toward success, players like Foden now face increased expectations to enhance their performance.
"I am not attempting to duplicate what Kev accomplished because we all recognize his excellence and contributions to the organization. It concerns doing my utmost, reaching the standard where I earned Player of the Year. I aim to return to that level."
Similar to numerous teammates in blue, Foden experienced a disappointing 2024–25 season. The England star netted just 13 goals in 49 matches across all tournaments, his lowest output since the 2019–20 campaign.
Three of those strikes, however, occurred at the Club World Cup, an encouraging indicator for the 25-year-old before the forthcoming season.
It remains Guardiola's responsibility to maximize his returning and new talents if City hopes to resume collecting trophies.
"It remains consistent each campaign, but simultaneously, we must continue what we've constructed over ten years," Guardiola stated. "Naturally, we aspire to improve upon the previous season, particularly regarding consistency.
"The mentality remains optimistic, so I'm confident everything will work out. I would assert that this organization has expanded tremendously during the past 15-20 years. Currently, it stands at the pinnacle in every competition. It's our duty to persist."
City commence their redemption journey against Wolves on Saturday, Aug. 16.