Man City staff are 'concerned' about Phil Foden - Insider

Man City staff are concerned about Phil Foden as his wretched form continued during his team’s four consecutive defeats.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 24-year-old was expected to step up during the absence of key players.

It was also claimed that Pep Guardiola has been disappointed with the levels shown by a number of players during this difficult period.

With the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and Rodri having missed long periods through injury, many had looked to Foden to become a difference-maker in the team.

However, his performances have been equally impacted by the absence of the more senior players, raising concerns about his ability to perform during difficult spells.

Foden has failed to score and provided just one assist in eight Premier League games so far, with his three goals this season all coming in the Champions League.

Despite his impressive form in Europe, there is recognition that two of his goals came in 4-0 and 5-0 wins against Slovan Bratislava and Sparta Prague respectively.

Pep Guardiola concerned about Phil Foden performances at Man City

It is said that many behind the scenes at City have raised concerns about his recent displays and are now questioning his starting role in the team.

Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience at the top level including over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that the attacking midfielder is feeling the weight of expectation at the Etihad.

“Some people at the club are concerned about Foden,” he told Football Insider.

“Guardiola is the best in the business and he knows his players better than anybody.

“But from what I’ve heard, he’s been disappointed with the influence some of his key players, including Foden, have had in recent weeks and during this run.

“Foden has struggled because he’s not being supplied by Rodri and De Bruyne. So he’ll count towards that list of players that City have been missing.

“I keep seeing him disappearing from games and not having a kick for 20 minutes at a time.

“He’s scored goals in Europe, but mainly in games where City have been dominant.

“With the players they’ve been missing, there’s been a lot of demand for him to step up and make things happen, but it’s as if that pressure has got to him.

“At the moment, they need players to stand up and be counted, and he hasn’t been one of those.”

In other news, City could land a “big-money” midfielder deal in January.

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