"I Think I Came Back Really Fresh-Minded" - Phil Foden Breaks Long-Held Silence on Man United Red Card

"I Think I Came Back Really Fresh-Minded" - Phil Foden Breaks Long-Held Silence on Man United Red Card Phil Foden is looking to return to his best under Enzo Maresca this season. Not so long ago, Phil Foden was the best player in England. The 2023-24 season saw him win the PFA Player of the Year award and earn a starring role in a Manchester City side that won its fourth consecutive Premier League title. Since then, though, his form has blown hot and cold. There have been brilliant afternoons and barren spells, and around the turn of the year his goal return dried up almost entirely. That drought finally lifted last month. Foden ended a barren run stretching close to ten months - and around 35 appearances - with his strike in the win over Ipswich Town, then followed it with a hat-trick against AEK Athens to make it four goals in two games. Speaking in a press conference ahead of Wednesday night’s UEFA Champions League clash against  RB Leipzig , the 26-year-old reflected on a revival that has restored his spark at a welcome moment for club and player alike. Asked for his thoughts on his personal start to the campaign, Foden mentioned the blip that saw him sit out a string of consecutive matches. “I think personally, it’s gone really well. Obviously, I had the very unfortunate red card against [Manchester] United, which put a brake on the good,” the Manchester City star said. “I think I came back really fresh-minded and sharp, I’ve been involved in a lot of goals recently, so I’ve been really happy with my own performances." Turning a forced break to his advantage That dismissal came in September’s derby, the 1-0 win away to Manchester United , and kept Foden out of the side for a spell. The Englishman was sent off for kicking out at opposition captain Bruno Fernandes moments after being fouled, and Foden used the suspension as a chance to recharge. “I just took some family time, went on holiday," the six-time Premier League winner added. "I was a very long time without playing football, which felt really strange, but it gave me time to work on things I needed to work on. And when I came back, I just felt fresh and like I could help the team." Back among the goals - and with some exquisite finishing in that 5-1 Champions League win over AEK Athens - Foden was asked whether he can return to the regular output that made him the Premier League Player of the Season two years ago. “Hopefully! [What’s the key to that, then?] Consistency, just keep playing regularly, being happy, positive and being in the right positions to score as well,” Foden said. “Hopefully, I can get back to that level. I think I’m slightly starting to get there now with my recent performances so hopefully, I just keep growing and keep getting better." Where the confidence is coming from As for the cause of that change in fortunes. Foden pointed to confidence, rhythm and the understanding he shares with his teammates. “Goals and being involved in goals gives you a lot of confidence," the forward added. "And when you’re playing regularly as well, you kind of just get into a rhythm and a groove. "Also, it helps when you play with similar players as well, I feel like you kind of understand what they’re going to do before even thinking about it. All of those things there definitely help but we’ll see what happens." Foden’s resurgence has come at the perfect time, particularly with Antoine Semenyo out injured and his goal threat being sorely missed. Manchester City have slipped off the top of the Premier League after back-to-back defeats to Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion , and their UEFA Champions League campaign would benefit hugely from a win in Germany. Standing in their way are RB Leipzig and former City defender Martin Demichelis. If Maresca’s side are going to recover their early-season swagger, a sharp and confident Foden is likely to be at the heart of it.