The Conspiracy Theorists Are Out in Force: Why Phil Foden Isn’t Starting for Man City This Season
Published: 29th September 2024
Updated: 29th September 2024
Updated: 09:44 GMT+1
We’re just a few months into the new Premier League season, and Manchester City fans are already up in arms about the team’s starting lineup. Specifically, they’re scratching their heads over the absence of talismanic midfielder Phil Foden from the starting lineup.
Foden enjoyed an incredible campaign last season, netting 27 goals across all competitions and racking up numerous individual accolades, including the Premier League Player of the Year award. However, so far this season, the 24-year-old has been relegated to the substitutes’ bench, making only three league appearances.
One thing is certain: Phil Foden is a exceptional player, and his non-inclusion in the starting lineup has sparked a maelstrom of speculation about what’s going on behind the scenes. Fans, fueled by their passion for the team, have hatched a theory that seems to be gaining traction. According to this theory, there’s something amiss between Pep Guardiola, the City manager, and Foden.
Fans, as they often do, have taken to social media to express their frustration, with many believing that the Catalan tactician has made a grave mistake by ditching Foden for underperforming players like Gundogan and Grealish. Here are some selected tweets that sum up the sentiment:
"Something going on between Phil Foden and Pep Guardiola, that we don’t know about. From winning Premier League Player of the Year to rotting on the City bench." – X user
"Pep Guardiola has to swallow his pride and START Phil Foden from now on. What a cameo! He’s been directly involved in 2 big chances now." – tweeted user
There are genuinely zero reasons to play Gundo over Foden in the 10 ever again, we looked 10x more aggressive and dangerous in the final third as soon as the sub was made, sick of the over intellectualised BS, play your best players in their best positions" – tweeted fan
The fact that Foden is on the bench for Gundogan is abysmal." – tweeted fan
Fans are convinced that Guardiola has lost faith in Foden, or worse still, has a personal grudge against him. Given the team’s recent inconsistencies, it’s no surprise that fans are looking for scapegoats. Make no mistake, though – Foden’s exclusion has nothing to do with any personal issues; it’s purely a tactical decision born out of a desire for balance and stability in midfield.
In all likelihood, Guardiola is simply searching for the right combination, and Foden’s game is not quite clicking on the same level as some of his teammates. Undoubtedly, Foden still has a vital role to play in City’s setup, but for now, he’ll have to prove himself from the bench before earning a starting spot once more.
Stay tuned, folks! We’ll keep an eye on Foden’s situation and bring you any updates as they become available. Follow us on all social media platforms for the latest news, analysis, and opinions on the Premier League and beyond!