Thursday morning’s media compilation makes for interesting reading.
We start with some positive news, as youth team coach Gareth Taylor has heaped praise on Phil Foden, deeming the teenager ‘a flagbearer’ for City’s budding stars.
The 42 share the quotes, explaining: “Phil Foden’s progress in Manchester City’s first team sets a vital example to the next generation of youngsters battling to make the grade for the Premier League champions, says youth team coach Gareth Taylor.
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“Foden made 26 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s treble winners in 2018-19, scoring seven goals – including his first in the Premier League, which secured a vital 1-0 win over Tottenham during the title run-in.
“All eyes will be on whether Foden can take a more prominent role in Guardiola’s plans next term, with his thirst for involvement on matchdays at the Etihad Stadium something Taylor remembers with a smile.”
Former City striker Taylor reflected: “As coaches, we can say: ‘This is what this guy did, this is how much he cared, this is how much he wanted to improve. These are the things you need to be looking at.’
“I had Phil for two-and-a-half, three years. As well as being a top talent, he was an incredible lad to work with – very low maintenance, very humble, always doing extra.
“These are the key kind of credentials that you’re looking for in young lads. To have Phil, someone who’s worked his way up all the way through the academy, now working with amazing players and an amazing manager as a kind of a flagbearer is great for us.
“When I was coaching the under-16s, we kind of helped out with the ball boys. But the ball boys, usually, we try to have a cut-off at under-14, maybe under-15.
“Phil still wanted to do it at under-16. He probably did it only a calendar year before he was in the first team.
“He just wanted to be close to it all the time, he wanted to be close to the players and he loved that angle of being close to the pitch.
“With Phil it was always just sheer love of the game. He’s doing the same now.
“I see him in the training sessions. Afterwards he’ll take a bag of balls and you’ll see him out there for ages.
“It’s improving his game but, also, he just loves it. He absolutely just wants to play.”
Ah, dreams do come true!
Now, to transfer gossip and the Sun claim City are set to lock horns with United in a ‘£105million race’ for Benfica’s Joao Felix.
According to Daniel Cutts: “The 19-year-old attacker is one of the most sought-after teenagers in the world with Real Madrid keeping a close interest.
“Both Manchester clubs have sent scouts to watch him during a stunning campaign, and were highly impressed.
“Man City boss Pep Guardiola has given the go-ahead to chase Felix, as he looks to make a charge at the Champions League next year.
“Etihad chiefs have been in regular contact with his agent Jorge Mendes over the last few months over the forward.
“Felix, who has been dubbed the ‘New Ronaldo’, scored 18 goals and had eight assists as Benfica won the Primeira Liga this season.”
Meanwhile, rumours of City’s alleged interest in Harry Maguire have resurfaced, after the defender was asked about his future, whilst on England camp.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News’ Liam Corless (amongst other sources): “Maguire has been linked with both City and Manchester United this summer but he refused to discuss his club future when pressed on the matter.”
The Leicester centre-back said: “When I am away with England, I don’t think about anything to do with club football.
“As soon as I wear the badge my only focus is on England. I am fully focused on the two games coming up.”
“It’s been a long time since we (England) have had a trophy,” Maguire continued
“You want to be winners. We’ve got a lot of winners in our team - (as) you’ve seen with the Man City boys who have just turned up, and won three trophies this year.
“We have a lot of winning mentality in our team and hopefully we can transfer it to international football now.”
