Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola commended forward Phil Foden for openly discussing mental health struggles that affected his performance last season. Foden has returned to form with two goals and two assists in seven appearances this campaign after registering just 13 goals in 49 matches during 2024-25.

Foden revealed in May that he experienced "a lot of things going on off the pitch mentally" and acknowledged "sometimes there's things in life bigger than football." The 25-year-old struggled significantly compared to his 27-goal, 13-assist campaign the previous season.

Guardiola emphasized the importance of Foden's willingness to address his mental health publicly during his pre-match news conference this week.

"How strong he is admitting it," Guardiola said. "A figure like Phil can be open-minded and speak to all of society. Today the young teenagers and even older people struggle with that, nobody is away from that."

The City manager noted Foden's improved demeanor in training sessions and the locker room as evidence of his recovery.

"When I see him now, and forget about the level he is performing, which is a top level, how he's been, the joy in the training session, his laugh and his voice in the locker room, being back, it's enough," Guardiola said. "What's important is him as a human being, be healthy with the family, with himself."

Foden's role has expanded following Kevin De Bruyne's summer departure. His partnership with striker Erling Haaland has become crucial for City's attacking play this season.

Foden was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad announced Friday despite his strong start to the season.