Phil Foden Reflects on Season Amid Manchester City Contract Doubts

Phil Foden admits football sometimes isn't straightforward after Manchester City's 2-0 Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal on Sunday.

The 25-year-old has struggled for consistent minutes in 2026, with increased competition from Antoine Semenyo and Omar Marmoush.

Foden endured a challenging 2024-25 season, but led Manchester City to a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title under Pep Guardiola.

He has hardly kicked a ball so far in 2026, with question marks over his long-term future with the club.

After coming on in the dying minutes of the Carabao Cup final, Foden assessed his season, saying football sometimes isn't straightforward, with ups and downs.

He is eyeing a timely return to form ahead of the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool in early April.

Foden added that it's just about how you pick yourself back up, keeping his head down and training well.

Manchester City gained a psychological boost over title rivals Arsenal, looking to cut down the Gunners' nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Foden believes it's still possible to claw the title back, with small steps in the right direction, and the Carabao Cup final result being a good confidence boost.

He did not think the Carabao Cup final will disrupt Arsenal's momentum in the league run-in, saying it's a different competition altogether.

Foden is set to join the England squad for upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan, hoping to come back sharper after the internationals.