Phil Foden claims to have learned more about himself this season than any other at Manchester City.
With another two goals during the draw at Brentford, the 24-year-old is returning to form amid a difficult campaign that has mirrored City’s problems.
Last season’s PFA Player of the Year has never encountered a lengthy dip in results throughout his career but is adamant that City can turn their fortunes around.
‘I think I’ve learned the most from this season, to be honest,’ Foden said. ‘I’ve not been in this situation before where I’ve lost this many games.
‘So it’s a learning curve, and it’s just about how you get back to your best. Not just me, but the team as well. And how we come back from this.
‘I still believe in the team, I still believe we can do good things – having that belief, to keep going, don’t give up.
Phil Foden claims to have learned more about himself this season than any other campaign
The 24-year-old (left) scored twice in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Brentford at the Gtech
‘Everyone wants to beat us. We’ve been the best in the last few seasons and when we face opponents, we can just see how much they’re up for it. We have to try and match that, if not better it, and we’re coming up a little bit short at the moment.’
Foden suggested that fatigue is still playing a part in City’s performances after they blew a two-goal lead at Brentford in the last eight minutes on Tuesday night.
And the midfielder is supporting the club pressing ahead with transfer business this month in their fight for Champions League qualification.
‘We’ve not got the biggest squad and it seems like a lot of the lads have struggled with niggles this season as well,’ he added. ‘So, yeah, it (signings) can only help us in a way, so looking forward to it.
‘For whatever reason, we can’t seem to control games and see games out at the moment. We can’t finish games off and pay the price at the end.
‘The title’s done for sure, it’s done. We know. We’re not stupid. So we’ve got to aim for top four, that’s the next target now and then obviously the Champions League as well. So it’s not as if the season has gone.
‘But we’ve got to be realistic, haven’t we? The performances have not been good enough to get up there. The top four is our aim now and then see where we can be in the other trophies.’
