Jeremy Doku provided the press with some insight on Phil Foden after Manchester City’s 3-0 win over Man United on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s men avoided three defeats in a row with their convincing win over their Manchester rivals, a victory that was inspired by the brilliance of Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian stole the show by scoring a brace, but Foden also impressed on his return to the City starting 11, with the Englishman opening the scoring on the day courtesy of his header in the first half.
The midfielder was naturally a topic of discussion following the game after his struggles last season, and Doku revealed to the press something they did not know before about the Man City academy graduate.
Phil Foden looking on during Manchester City v Manchester United
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Manchester City’s Phil Foden takes criticism badly
Last season was a disaster for Foden as the midfielder underwhelmed throughout the campaign after being crowned the PFA Players’ Player of the Year for the term prior.
Naturally, Foden was criticised for his performances and speaking to the press after Man City’s win over Man United on Sunday, Doku revealed that the 25-year-old does not take criticism well, which is likely to fuel him for the 2025/26 campaign.
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“Doku, who spoke in the mix zone, and he even raised it and said, Phil, you know, Phil takes criticism,” Manchester Evening News writer Tyrone Marshall said on Talking City.
“I can’t remember his exact words, but it was essentially that Phil takes criticism badly or gets affected by criticism. And it’s kind of easy to forget that, you know, we put these players on a pedestal. They are just the same as us.
“Like, they’re going to have the same thoughts. Like, you know, if I read the comments and someone criticised me, I’d probably be like, well, it’s annoying.”
Foden showed signs of getting back to his best against Man United, but it remains to be seen if the midfielder can keep this up, as the Englishman remains an important player for Guardiola.
What is expected of Phil Foden this season
It was reported during the FIFA Club World Cup that Foden was much happier in training and around his teammates, which was not always the case last season.
Following on from his 2024/25 struggles, the expectation for the current campaign is that the 25-year-old can perform at his best more consistently and contribute to positive results at the Premier League giants.
Foden has shown that he is one of the best players in the English top flight on his day, and if the midfielder can rediscover that, the Manchester club will have a chance of winning the Premier League over the coming months.
The 25-year-old has provided Guardiola with signs that he can reach this level once again, and City’s upcoming matches will reveal exactly where Foden is at.