Pep Guardiola once fined himself after a brutal comment he made to Phil Foden

Although it doesn’t seem like Phil Foden can do anything wrong right now, that wasn’t always the case.

With 15 goals and 10 assists in 36 games across all competitions, Foden is likely having the finest season of his Manchester City career.

During Kevin De Bruyne’s injury absence, the 23-year-old significantly improved his play, and he hasn’t stopped since the Belgian’s comeback to the pitch.

This season, Foden has mostly taken on a more central midfield role, which has given him even more control over games and the opportunity to showcase his entire skill set.

With regard to goals, assists, and game reading, Phil is having his most significant season yet for the team, and Pep Guardiola couldn’t be more pleased with his rising star. He is a very talented player.”

A few years prior, though, the City chief wasn’t as happy.

Foden received criticism from Guardiola for not following his instructions when he took a free kick during a Champions League match against Porto in 2020–21.

The Telegraph’s James Ducker reports that Guardiola said, “F****** hell, Phil!” F****** hell! You didn’t follow my instructions!”

Foden took exception at the x-rated comment, believing Guardiola was applying different rules to different players.

He was “furious” that his manager had called him out, so much so that, before many of his colleagues had returned, he raced down the tunnel and changed in the dressing room.

Foden was waiting for Guardiola at the door, and he let loose. “Never do that to me again!” he pleaded with his management. You wouldn’t treat other gamers that way.

At the moment, Guardiola expressed regret to the midfield player, but he thought he should go farther. In a meeting with the entire team the next day, Guardiola delivered a second apology and decided to fine himself.

The organisation was grateful that the money went directly into the athletes’ pockets. Guardiola, who has been waiting for Foden to do so for some time, also thought it was admirable that Foden spoke up for himself.

According to some, Foden’s career at City changed at that very moment, and it was considered a crucial milestone in his development from a boy to a man.

Although Guardiola will always criticise every City player, it’s reasonable to assume that the Spaniard will think twice before berating the England player once more.