Foden is back to his best, Guardiola says after two goals in Champions League win over Dortmund

Pep Guardiola says Phil Foden is back to his best form after two goals in Manchester City’s win over Borussia Dortmund.

City were 4-1 winners at the Etihad with Foden opening the scoring with a lovely left-footed strike from the edge of the box, before rolling in a second to cap off a wonderful display.

Foden’s form is often the subject of interest after a poor 2024-25 season by his standards but Guardiola insists the England midfielder has been back to his best for some time.

Speaking to TNT Sports, the City boss said: “I would say he is already there [back to his best form]. He does not need to get closer. He is already there. It is true we have missed goals and he got two incredible goals.

“How many times have we seen that from Phil right? How many times?The generosity with the effort but also with the quality in the final third. We missed it a lot. I’m happy three more players scored goals and not just Erling Haaland.”

Foden was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s most recent England squad but Guardiola backed his player to become a focal point for the Three Lions soon enough.

“Thomas [Tuchel] knows perfectly how good Phil is and I’m sure he will do the best for your country,” he added.

City on course for top eight

City are unbeaten in the Champions League so far this season and currently occupy fourth in the standings and Guardiola is hopeful automatic passage to the last 16 is within reach after being dumped out in last year’s knockout round play-off.

“Considering we played two days ago and in the Champions League Dortmund is always a top side,” Guardiola said.

“In the first 15 minutes we did not know where we were and after that we had one or two long possessions and broke the lines and could run, which was better.

“Then for the 10-15 minutes after the goal we conceded it was not good because they put five, six, seven players up front.

“They linked their runners quickly but after Ruben [Dias] came on, with five in the back we arrived better down the sides and finished the game good.

“Huge compliment, huge respect for these players because we are in a good position, maybe with a win against Leverkusen and a few more we can be in the position to finish in the first eight.”

Haaland breaks another record

Erling Haaland was on target yet again for City against his former club with the striker bagging his 18th goal of the season.

The clinical finish also saw him become the first player to score three consecutive Champions League goals for three different clubs, having done so while still at Dortmund and at RB Salzburg.

Guardiola said: “I didn’t know. I honestly did not know. Every time I come here or to the press conference you tell me he broke a new record. I am happy for him. He deserves it.

“The more good players he has alongside him, the easier it will be. That is the case in top clubs. Good players make the potential higher for all of us.”