Phil Foden
Phil Foden
Phil Foden admitted he was left in disbelief at Manchester City's latest collapse as they gear up for a 'must-win' match against Liverpool.
City were hoping to end a run of five straight losses with a victory as they led Feyenoord 3-0 with 15 minutes to go, only to concede three late goals as their confidence took another big hit. If they lose at league leaders Liverpool on Sunday - a ground they have a terrible record at - they will be 11 points off top spot.
The run is as unprecedented for the players as much as the manager, and City stars have needed to take a few days since the Feyenoord game to process the latest disappointment. Just as Ilkay Gundogan said after the match, Foden is in no doubt that City need a result at Liverpool.
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“Obviously a bit in disbelief. We were controlling the full game, but it is what it is. The last few days have been about getting over the result and letting it go," he said.
“I’ve not been through this situation before so it’s a new experience for myself. Playing in a Man City shirt there are expectations – I don’t think going to Anfield on Sunday is any different. Just because the recent results haven’t been right, it doesn’t change much.
"We have to go there and win. It’s a must win game – we have to think like this.”
If City are to get a result, Foden could be key. The 24-year-old has tormented Liverpool on a number of occasions - including the only time they have won there since 2003 - and was the most important player in the Premier League last season.
However, he has struggled to recover that form after illness following a disappointing Euros, and is yet to score in the Premier League in this campaign. That is something Foden is looking to change, although he will gladly go without a goal if he leaves Anfield with three points.
"I feel my performances have been ok. I think every footballer goes through stages like this – it’s about keeping going and hopefully it will come good soon," he said.
"It would be a nice time to kick off my Premier League goals, but the main thing is getting a result. It doesn’t matter about me. As long as the team get a result – it will give us a lot of confidence.”