Phil Foden: Man City star still recovering from ‘burnout’

Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden has admitted feeling burnt out at the end of last season has contributed to his slow start to the new campaign.

The midfielder was on the scoresheet in City’s 5-0 win over Sparta Prague on Wednesday.

It was only his fourth start of the season and Foden said he is still getting up to speed after last season’s marathon campaign which started in early August and finished with the Euro 2024 final in mid-July.

“Last year there were so many games,” Foden said.

“I put everything I could into it. I came back a little bit fatigued, which is normal. Rodri came back like that as well, a few players.

“It’s normal how many games we play — you have to burnout at some point. I’m making steps in the right direction and trying to get back to my best.”

Foden played 69 games for club and country last season. He was named the Premier League’s best player after scoring 19 goals to help City to a record fourth title in a row, but he has found opportunities harder to come by this term and has only made one league start — in the 3-2 home win over Fulham earlier this month.

“I had a bit of fatigue coming back from last year, a bit of illness,” Foden added.

“A few niggles as well. A few things added together. But if you speak to any player they’ve all been through it, the ups and downs of football. It was just a bump in the road if you like, I’m delighted I’m back and enjoying my football.”

Meanwhile, Matheus Nunes said he is finally settling at City more a year after his move from Wolves.

The midfielder spent most of last season on the bench following his £53 million ($69m) switch. But after impressing from the start against Sparta and scoring a penalty to wrap up the 5-0 win, the 26-year-old said he is feeling more at home at the Etihad.

“I feel like I have settled in the best this season,” Nunes said.

“I am more calm, don’t put so much pressure on myself. I think that’s clear for everyone since the start of the season. I just have to keep working like this. Just trying to play my best every time I am chosen to do so.”