Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on starlet Phil Foden after the teenager scored his first goal at the Etihad during City’s emphatic 7-0 win over Rotherham.
The Blues go into the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to goals from Foden, Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, Nicolas Otamendi, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane, and a Rotherham own-goal.
After a full 90 on the pitch, plus a goal in his FA Cup debut, Pep has stated that he chooses the midfielder simply because he “believes” in him, and stated that the game was a huge learning opportunity for the Stockport-born youngster.
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“Today he was there and his movement was incredible,” Guardiola said after the match. “Of course the pass from Gundogan (for Foden’s goal) was incredible but these kind of balls are so difficult to defend.
“The 90 mins for his experience and self-confidence, but of course he must improve.
“He lost three or four balls but that’s normal, he is 18-years-old! He will learn in the future and play better!
“If he plays it’s because we believe he can play, not because he’s a City fan or a nice guy - we believe he can play!”
Watch the video above to hear Pep’s thoughts on the game…
