Pep Guardiola pinpoints moment in-form Manchester City midfielder Foden announced ‘I want to play again’ ahead of Premier League clash with Burnley

Guardiola pointed to his desire to play even when fatigued as evidence that his hunger had returned.

The England international had appeared somewhat sluggish last season compared to his superb form in 2023/24, when he won the player of the year and scored 27 goals in all competitions, assisting another 13.

Last season, the 25-year-old scored 13, and did not register a goal between January and May 2025.

However, this season he has two assists and two goals in five appearances so far, with one of each coming in the EFL Cup win over Huddersfield in midweek.

“Phil had responsibility when he was 17 and started to train with us. The biggest example was Arsenal when everyone was exhausted and tired because we ran a lot and parked the bus and so on,” Guardiola told a press conference ahead of the match against Burnley at the Etihad on Saturday afternoon.

“In that moment Phil said, ‘I want to play again.’ It’s what happened when he arrived at 17 and wanted to play every day because he was happy. That is the sign that he is ready.

“All of us know what Phil can do, just let him play and enjoy football. His physical condition is outstanding, in his mind he is ready and he can play every three days with high intensity. Against Huddersfield he looked really, really good.”

Guardiola also told journalists that Erling Haaland would be ready to face Burnley after he missed the match against Huddersfield with a back injury.

Haaland is in excellent form, scoring seven goals from just six appearances so far this season.

There are four players definitely unavailable, according to Guardiola. The Spaniard said Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov are all out.

However, midfielder Mateo Kovacic could be fit after recovering from surgery on an Achilles tendon problem.

Guardiola also had kind words for Burnley full-back Kyle Walker, who left City in the summer after finishing the season with Serie A side AC Milan.

“I’m pretty sure everybody will be happy to see him,” Guardiola said.

“It was an unbelievable few years for us, and he was the right-back who defined our time here in the last eight years… I’m pretty sure he will get the gratitude of our fans.

“One of the greatest in terms of consistency and no injuries and playing every single game, an incredible figure in the locker room.”

Brentford host Manchester United at the Gtech Community Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, September 27.