Guardiola Backs Foden After Mental-Health Return

Pep Guardiola praised Phil Foden for openly addressing mental-health struggles last season and said the player's honesty and return of joy in training are more important than form. Foden has rediscovered strong club form—two goals and two assists in seven appearances after being moved into a No.10 role—and Guardiola called him 'the best player we have in small spaces by far.' Despite that resurgence, England manager Thomas Tuchel omitted Foden from the squad for Wales and Latvia for a third straight time. Guardiola defended the selection decision while predicting Foden will be recalled if he continues to perform, and said City will prioritise his wellbeing and support him unconditionally. Manchester City are unbeaten in six across competitions, drew 2-2 with Monaco in the Champions League, and travel to Brentford on Sunday, a ground where Foden has an excellent scoring record.