Pep Guardiola responds to Gareth Southgate over Phil Foden debate
Foden was a speaking level over the course of the worldwide break amid calls to convey him into midfield after the Three Lions contested a quite drab draw with Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifier performed in Poland.
Southgate ignored the clamour to deploy the 23-year-old there for the journey to Hampden Park to play fierce rivals Scotland on Tuesday, highlighting the very fact Guardiola makes use of Foden as a ahead at membership stage.
“Well, he doesn’t [play there] for his club, so presumably there’s a reason for that,” he mentioned. “It depends on the level of the game, really. Obviously in the middle of the park everybody wants to talk about them with the ball, but there’s a lot of detail without the ball.”
Foden then starred as England made gentle work of the Scots in Glasgow, scoring the opener in a 3-1 win, partly vindicating Southgate’s name.
Still, Guardiola has confirmed he’s absolutely conscious of Foden’s skill to play in central midfield.
“You cannot be one of the best if your mentality does not say you want to be one of the best,” he said on Friday.
“I’ve admiration for Gareth. It appears to be like like I might disagree however I agree with him within the truth after we play outdoors, it’s a distinct function.
“He knows I know Phil can play in all the positions, middle or outside.”