Pep Guardiola says Phil Foden made a mistake in breaching Covid-19 protocols whilst on England duty
Pep Guardiola has admitted Phil Foden made a “mistake” for breaching coronavirus guidelines whilst on England duty, but insisted he is still counting on the Manchester City midfielder this season.
The City manager, who will be without striker Sergio Aguero and defender Aymeric Laporte for the club’s Premier League opener at Wolves on Monday, also said there were no new developments on his contract. Guardiola is out of contract at the end of the season.
Foden was sent home in disgrace by England this month after the City midfielder and Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood breached Covid-19 protocols by inviting two women back to the team hotel 24 hours after making their senior international debuts in the 1-0 win over Iceland in Reykjavik.
“He’s well, the time I saw him – the three or four days together. He knows he made a mistake and that’s all,” Guardiola said.
With David Silva having left City last month, Foden is expected to be given a prominent midfield role this season, although Guardiola said the 20-year-old’s versatility meant he could play in multiple positions.
“He can play in that position, or striker, winger, he can play up front without a problem,” he said.
Aguero has yet to return to training following knee surgery in June and Laporte only returned to training for the first time on Friday after a positive coronavirus test and is not expected to be ready to face Wolves. Winger Riyad Mahrez also tested positive for Covid-19 but is available after returning to training earlier than Laporte.
“[Aguero] still he hasn’t had one training session with us,” Guardiola said. “Riyad came back a few days ago, he’s training. Today is the first day for Laporte. Riyad is available but Laporte not yet.”
City have signed winger Ferran Torres and defender Nathan Ake from Valencia and Bournemouth respectively this summer but the club’s hopes of bringing in Lionel Messi were thwarted when the Argentina forward decided to stay at Barcelona and they have yet to land the second centre-half Guardiola wants.
Asked if there would be a chance of signing Messi – who is out of contract next summer – in the future, Guardiola said: “I don’t know. It’s a question for Lionel, I cannot talk about the intentions for those people.
“I think I don’t have to explain anything [on Messi]. Leo explained quite well his feelings, there’s nothing to add from me. He’s a player for Barcelona, the club I love, and there is nothing more to say.
“I’m more than satisfied with what I’ve had and I know the club does everything to do their best not just for me for the team, if we have to stay with the players I’ll be happy.
“I’ve never before or in the future will I complain, I’m lucky to have these players and that’s all.”
