Guardiola: 'I want to help Foden find form' | OneFootball

Man City boss Pep Guardiola is eager to support Phil Foden in regaining top form after the midfielder opened up about difficulties both on and off the field.

The 24-year-old admitted that personal matters and an ankle problem picked up in April during a clash with Manchester United have affected his performance. He now hopes to get his mind "mentally right".

"It's true, Phil said that and of course he has not been [at his best]," said Guardiola.

"[He hasn't been at his best] not [just] for him, all of us, his family, for us - he's a baby boy from the academy and become a star with us. We want to help him, that's the most important thing. He needs rest and it's going to happen now after Sunday."

City wrap up a frustrating campaign with an away match against Fulham on Sunday (kick-off 16:00 BST), needing just a draw to guarantee Champions League qualification for next season.

On Friday, Foden was excluded from England head coach Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the upcoming fixtures versus Andorra and Senegal in early June.

Tuchel remarked that Foden requires time to heal from his injury and to "re-find the joy in his game".

Foden has attributed his recent struggles to issues off the pitch and fitness setbacks.

Last season, Foden netted 19 goals in the Premier League, playing a key role in City's historic fourth consecutive top-flight crown.

He scooped both the Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' Association Player of the Year awards and earned a spot in the PFA Team of the Year.

However, this season has been a different story, with just 10 goals in all competitions and a goalless streak stretching 19 matches for club and country, dating back to January.

Foden described the campaign as "difficult" and "frustrating", saying that had "everything was OK" he would "definitely" have performed better.

Guardiola concluded: "Step by step he is going to come back. I just want to help him, that is what we want.

"I don't care about his performance on the pitch, I want him to feel good and after the rest will come in an easy way."