London (AFP)
European champion Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola insisted that his player Phil Foden can play in several attacking positions, after England coach Gareth Southgate claimed that the young striker is not capable of playing a central role with his country.
After being asked about his hesitation to use Foden in the central areas of his attack, Southgate answered at the beginning of the week, “Ask Pep.”
Southgate considered that, with Foden being pushed on the flanks with the English and European champions, it is difficult for him to rely on the 23-year-old in the center of the attack during international matches.
Regarding the role of his player, Guardiola was supportive before facing West Ham in the local league: “I have a wonderful relationship with Gareth. Comment from me? “I disagree with him and I completely agree with him.”
He continued, “When you play on the flank, the role is completely different, but he knows, and I know, that Phil can play in all attacking positions, in the middle, on the right side, on the left, and behind the attackers.”
He added, “But as Gareth said, in central roles, the role is completely different, especially without the ball. Sometimes you don’t have to be smart to read what is happening every moment.”
He added, “But the important thing is that Phil is able to play in the five attacking positions without any problem, and this is a great advantage for him.”
The inimitable Spanish coach explained, “I watched the friendly against Scotland. He started playing on the right side, but he moved and spent most of the time inside, so the players move right, left, inside and outside. In the end, it is not a big problem.”
Guardiola returns against West Ham, after missing the last two matches, recovering from back surgery in Spain. His team maintained a perfect record led by his assistant Juanma Liu.
2023-09-16 10:47:22
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