Manchester City’s Phil Foden has responded to the distasteful chants about his mother during Sunday’s derby against Manchester United with a simple three-word message. The England star was targeted by a section of United fans during the first half of the goalless draw at Old Trafford.
City manager Pep Guardiola condemned those involved in the chants, stating they should be ‘ashamed’. “Lack of class,” Guardiola said. “But it’s not United, it’s the people, you know?
“We are so exposed, people who are on the screen in world football – managers, owners, and football players especially. Honestly, I don’t understand the mind of the people involving the mum of Phil. It’s a lack of integrity, class, and they should be ashamed.”
Foden, 24, took to social media for the first time since the incident, posting “We keep going,” on Instagram after being jeered by United fans when he was substituted for Jeremy Doku in the 57th minute.
Despite the high standards set by Foden and his team-mates, this season has been challenging for many. The 24-year-old has netted 10 goals and provided six assists in 40 appearances amid City’s struggles.
His place in the England team has been questioned, having not played the full 90 minutes in either of last month’s World Cup qualifying matches. After Foden scored twice in the 6-0 victory over Ipswich in January, Guardiola hinted at the playmaker dealing with ‘problems’.
Guardiola has opened up about the transformation of one of his players, saying: “We spoke many times the last month, and he was a completely different boy to how he arrived at the beginning of the season.
“He had a few problems, but they are human beings and sometimes when you have a setback and that is normal. But we are really pleased that he is happy again and enjoying playing, and that is really good for all of us.”
Reflecting on the lacklustre derby against Manchester United, Guardiola admitted his team fell short: “The players know it. There’s a process when the ball is on one side, they have to be in a position.
“Today was not good. … For many many years I have played against 5-4-1 where opponents defend so deep. We should be in the same positions [as when we’ve defeated 5-4-1 formations] but we were not good enough to punish them or hurt them a little bit more than what happened.”
Content Source: www.express.co.uk