Phil Foden given detailed feedback from Pep Guardiola during impromptu on-pitch training session after Man City star plays 90 minutes as a false nine in Carabao Cup win over Watford
Phil Foden played a full 90 minutes for the first time this season on Tuesday as Manchester City beat Watford 2-1 to progress to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup.
With star man Erling Haaland rested by manager Pep Guardiola and Julian Alvarez sold to Atletico Madrid last summer, Foden has been deployed in a more attacking role than usual.
The England star played as a false nine for Jack Grealish, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes and James McAtee.
Foden touched the ball 80 times, made two key passes and shot six times, only one of which was successful.
After the final whistle, Guardiola gave Foden some advice, deciding to do this in midfield rather than in the City dressing room.
Phil Foden (centre) in action for Man City during Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Watford
City manager Pep Guardiola (right) wanted to speak to Foden on the pitch after the match
Foden pictured making direct eye contact with Guardiola during their post-match session
Foden appeared to listen attentively as Guardiola spoke animatedly and gestured, while the rest of the players shook hands.
It was not the first time that Guardiola had given tactical advice in public.
The former Barcelona manager appeared to demand more from Erling Haaland at half-time of an away game at Burnley last season, despite the Norwegian having only scored twice.
Guardiola has previously made similar criticisms of Grealish and Raheem Sterling.
After beIN SPORTS presenter Richard Keys criticised him for holding these individual ‘mini-training sessions’ during and immediately after matches, Guardiola was asked last year why he was so keen to ‘coach’ his players with so many people watching.
Guardiola used his hands to point and gesture as he gave tactical advice to Foden
Manager Guardiola embraced the 24-year-old Foden before ending their public ‘training session’
Guardiola hit back sarcastically: ‘I do it for the cameras. For my ego. I’m the most famous person on the team. I need the cameras to be able to sleep with incredible satisfaction.
‘That’s why I always try to criticize the players there and make them feel how bad they are.’