Pep Guardiola sends pointed reminder to Phil Foden ahead of Newcastle clash

26 September 2023 , 15:09

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Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Phil foden (Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has warned Phil Foden it is a "big mistake" to start thinking about trophies this early in the season after the England star said they were looking to win the quadruple.

City became just the second English club to complete a historic treble last season after local rivals Manchester United, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League. However, they missed out on the quadruple after suffering a shock 2-0 defeat to Southampton in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.

Speaking earlier this month, Foden revealed that the quadruple was City's "aim" this season. He told Sky Sports : "I remember actually speaking to Jack [Grealish] about this. After the Champions League was done, we both looked at each other and thought, 'how are we going to get that high again?' I was almost a bit sad thinking about it.

"So we had a little discussion and the only way is to just do it again or do the quadruple. That's the aim now. We have to try and do it again. I know it's nearly impossible because it's such a hard thing to do but the lads are craving that now and want to do it again."

However, Guardiola has moved to temper expectations, urging his players to simply take each game as it comes. Asked about Foden's comments ahead of City's third round Carabao Cup clash against Newcastle United, Guardiola replied: "Phil is so young.

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"He will understand with time. It's nice to have those ambitions but always I said to the players 'ambition is the next game'. So maybe in April, May if you are still in all competitions you can start to think about it but right now at the end of September to think about titles is a big mistake."

Guardiola also admitted the busy schedule will be a huge challenge for City this season, making it difficult to balance the need to train and recover in between games. "You cannot train. We have few people," he explained.

"We are used to it. Previous seasons was the same. We have two more games because of the Club World Cup but the rest is the same. I don't think the problem is mentally, because all the players what they want is to fight for the titles.

"The problem is the lack of rest, mentally especially, this is the problem. Seasons come with a few weeks off, this isn't the problem. But the players are happy to play and win the games, fighting for the titles.

"The problem is the lack of rest over years and years. With Champions League longer more teams, this is what it is. Complain a little bit here and then forget it."

Matthew Cooper